How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Chow Chows
The Chow Chow is a large breed dog renowned by its distinctive mane. A breed that can be aloof with strangers, the Chow Chow loves its family deeply with whom it displays a ready loyalty, love, and affection.
This large breed dog can be prone to several serious health issues including hip dysplasia, obesity, and bloat. To prevent these problems from being aggravated, it is essential that the Chow Chow be kept at an ideal body weight. All food should be carefully measured and all intake monitored to prevent the dog from becoming overweight.
Though it is not known precisely what causes bloat, experts agree that overeating and eating too rapidly could be contributing factors. To prevent these things from occurring, it is recommended that the Chow Chow be fed a large breed formulation since the kibble pieces are large enough to encourage chewing and swallowing.
Chow Chows can also suffer from food sensitivities and skin problems. Some of the most common allergens are corn, wheat, and soy. Foods containing these items should be carefully avoided. Whole grains are generally not a problem for this breed. In some dogs, chicken and beef can lead to skin issues.
The best dog foods for Chow Chows are nutritionally balanced and fortified with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support optimal canine health.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Chow Chows
Chow Chows require a food that is optimized to meet its nutritional needs. To determine how much of the best dog food an adult Chow Chow requires, it is best to use the suggested serving size on the bag of food as a starting point. This can be adjusted to reflect the dog’s activity level, appetite, and weight until the correct portion size is ascertained.
As a general rule, any food suited to the adult Chow Chow should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Chow Chow Dog Foods
All dogs require a diet that is based on the foundation of a high-quality meat to thrive. Whole meats are the best basis for any food, but meat meals are also a very good choice. By-products are comprised of low-quality items and are best avoided as they can contribute to skin problems in the Chow Chow.
Plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy are very difficult for the Chow Chow to digest. They are also common allergens for many dogs. Avoid foods containing these items.
Carbohydrates can be in the form of whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The primary importance is that the carbohydrates included in the Chow Chow’s diet are high in dietary fiber and antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system and good digestion.
To ensure the Chow Chow has a well-rounded diet and sufficient reserves of energy each day, healthy fats are vital. These are best derived from animal origins and include such items as chicken fat and oily fish. Plant-based oils such as safflower and canola can also be excellent sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.
The best dog foods for Chow Chows may also include supplements to support such important processes as joint health and digestion.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Chow Chows
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Chow Chow:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any diet for the Chow Chow should be based on a quality meat. Select a food with a whole meat as its first ingredient if possible. Meat meals also make an excellent foundation for the Chow Chow’s diet.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to the Chow Chow. Any food containing one or more of these items should be avoided.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Probiotics and supplements can greatly assist the efficacy of a food. The most beneficial supplements to look for in an ideal food for the Chow Chow include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Chow Chow should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.