Shar Peis are known for their wrinkly skin and Chinese heritage. These dogs are loyal and protective, making them great family pets. However, they can also be independent and stubborn, so it’s important to start training early. Shar Peis require a lot of exercise, so make sure to take them on walks or runs every day.

The Shar Pei is has many special dietary needs. When it comes to food, Shar Peis need a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed is also prone to allergies, so it’s important to choose a food that does not contain any common allergens.

That’s why it’s important to choose the best dog food for Shar Peis if you want your pet to stay healthy and happy. In this article, we will discuss the 11 best dog foods for Shar Peis, along with reviews of each, as well as how to choose the right diet for your furry friend.

A Quick Glance at Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shar Peis

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Pork Recipe – Best Overall

Made fresh with limited ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Pork Recipe stands out from the pack by rebelling against processed dry food that’s formed from inflammatory ingredients. Each meal arrives at your door already cooked, frozen, and divided into portions. All you need to do to prepare the meals is defrost and pour.

The Farmer’s Dog Pork Recipe is our choice for the best overall food for Shar Peis because the ingredients address breed-specific issues related to their stomach, skin, and coat. The recipe appeases allergies by using limited, high quality ingredients and swapping common proteins for pork, a lean meat that doesn’t usually trigger as many allergic reactions as chicken and beef. The fish oil is also beneficial for managing allergies and inflammation because of the rich content of omega 3s. Sweet potatoes support gut health and eyesight, which can also be problems for the Shar Pei.

Like all recipes by The Farmer’s Dog, the Pork Recipe is grain-free. However, current research suggests that grain-free diets that swap heart-healthy whole grains for potatoes and lentils may put canines at a higher risk of cardiomyopathy.

---

2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Value

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food is our pick for the best dog food for Shar Peis for the money. Although the price looks expensive, this is for a 26-pound bag, so the price works out to less than $3 per pound. This is a high-protein recipe that is recommended by veterinarians. It supports the five signs of wellbeing: overall vitality, healthy digestion, skin and coat health, immune health, and joint health.

Wellness CORE natural grain-free dry dog food is a great option for pet parents who are looking for an affordable food that meets all of their Shar Pei’s needs. The chicken and turkey formula is sure to appeal to most dog breeds. However, it won’t be suitable if your Shar Pei is allergic to chicken, a common dog allergy. And because it is grain-free, it does contain peas, which are being potentially linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, although studies to confirm this are still ongoing by the FDA.

---

3. Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen’s Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is another good pick for Shar Peis that are active. It’s great if you’re looking for a premium option and it is another recipe that is high in protein. This particular recipe is beef flavored, but there is also an Original flavor (chicken and turkey), Six Fish flavor, and Tundra flavor (lamb and venison), so this should meet the needs of any Shar Pei’s diets and potential dietary restrictions.

Back to this recipe though: it is made with a variety of meats, including red meat, to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. It also contains a blend of omega fatty acids to support the skin and coat. However, being a premium choice, it is more expensive than other brands.

---

4. ACANA Puppy Recipe Dry Food

ACANA’s Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is our pick for the best dog food for Shar Pei puppies. It’s made with 65% animal ingredients and 35% plant ingredients, and it’s made without preservatives or artificial flavors and colors.

It is also high in protein and fat, which a growing puppy, especially one the size of a Shar Pei, needs in order to grow up healthy. However, it’s also a more expensive option, and you will have to switch to a different food when your puppy grows into an adult.

---

5. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

Merrick’s Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is another great recipe for Shar Peis. This food is made with high-quality ingredients and provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.

It is also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. In addition, this food contains a blend of omega fatty acids to support the skin and coat. The downside is that chicken is a common allergen for dogs. If your dog is allergic to chicken, you may wish to choose a different food.

---

6. Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Dry Dog Food

The Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Dry Dog Food is another great dog food for Shar Peis. Royal Canin is a trusted name in the pet food industry, and their Shar Pei adult dry dog food is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of this breed.

This food is ideal if your Shar Pei has dry, sensitive skin, and it’s low in calories to help prevent weight gain. It also contains a special blend of antioxidants to support the immune system. However, it does not have real meat as the first ingredient, which is preferable when it comes to dog food. It also contains some artificial ingredients, so unless your Shar Pei specifically needs a skin and coat formula designed just for the breed, this food may not be the best choice.

---

7. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food is another great skin and coat formula for Shar Peis, and this one also helps if your Shar Pei has a sensitive stomach, provided that they aren’t allergic to chicken. We like that the ingredients in this food seem to be better than the previous choice, it’s just not specifically made for Shar Peis.

The downside to this food is that it is a bit lower in protein and fat than some of the other options. It also contains chicken as the main protein source, which is not good for Shar Peis with a chicken allergy.

---

8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Shar Peis with allergies to protein ingredients, because it is made with novel proteins such as water buffalo and lamb. But, there are five other flavors you can choose from as well if your Shar Pei doesn’t have any allergies or just doesn’t care for this particular flavor.

It is also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. It’s made in the USA as well. However, it is a grain-free formula, meaning it contains peas, so it brings the same concerns as the Wellness food in number two.

---

9. Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Dry Dog Food is a great option for Shar Peis all life stages. This grain-inclusive food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient and is formulated to help with dental health, promote strong bones and muscles, and provide energy. In addition, this food contains a blend of vitamins and minerals for overall health.

The downside is that it contains chicken as the main protein source, which we’ve already mentioned is a common dog allergen. But, it does come in other flavors as well. It’s also lower in protein and fat than other options, and it is a bit pricey compared to some of the other foods on this list.

---

10. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Dog Food is a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs. This food is made with a single protein source and limited ingredients to help reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or upset stomach. It is also high in protein and fat to help maintain muscle mass and energy levels. In addition, this food contains a blend of omega-fatty acids to support the skin and coat. The downside is that this food contains peas/

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Food for Your Shar Pei

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a food for your Shar-Pei:

Choosing Treats for Your Shar Pei

In addition to a healthy diet, treats can be a great way to show your dog some extra love. When choosing treats for your Shar Pei, look for ones that are:

Shar-Pei Dietary Considerations

Shar Peis are a unique breed of dog with some special dietary considerations. Here are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your Shar-Pei:

Common Shar Pei Health Problems

It’s important to figure in a breed’s most common health problems when you choose their food. Ask your vet for food suggestions if your Shar Pei has a particular health issue that an appropriate diet can help with.

Should You Give Your Shar Pei Vitamins and Supplements?

Vitamins and supplements can be a great way to ensure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need. However, it’s important to talk to your vet before giving your Shar Pei any supplements, as too much of certain vitamins can be harmful, and many dog foods contain vitamins already that your Shar Pei can benefit from.

Some vitamins and supplements that may be beneficial for Shar Peis include:

Other Things You Should Consider

Diet and Skin Care

When it comes to the best dog food for Shar Peis, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, Shar Peis are prone to weight gain, so it’s important to feed them a diet that is high in protein and low in calories. Second, Shar Peis are also prone to skin problems, so it’s important to choose a food that contains omega-fatty acids to support the skin and coat. Finally, puppies need a diet that is high in protein and fat to help them grow and develop properly.

When it comes to skin care, it’s important to choose products that are free of artificial ingredients and easy to digest. Look for products that are made with natural ingredients and are safe for use on sensitive skin.

Should I Feed My Shar Pei a Grain-Free Diet?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some Shar Peis do well on grain-free diets, while others do not. If you are unsure whether or not a grain-free diet is right for your dog, it’s best to talk to your vet.

What Type of Food Should I Avoid Feeding My Shar Pei?

There are a few types of food that you should avoid feeding your Shar Pei. First, avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbs, as these can lead to weight gain. Second, avoid foods that contain artificial ingredients, as these can be difficult for your dog to digest. Finally, avoid foods that are high in fat, as this can lead to health problems.

Diet and Dental Health

It’s important to choose a food that is high in protein and low in calories to help maintain a healthy weight. It’s also important to choose a food that will help support dental health. Dental problems are common in Shar Peis, so it’s important to find a food that contains ingredients that will help reduce tartar build-up and promote gum health.

Wet Food vs Dry Food

Shar Peis are known to be picky eaters, so it’s important to find a food that your dog will actually eat. Some Shar Peis prefer wet food, while others prefer dry food. There are benefits and drawbacks to both wet and dry food, so it’s important to do some research to figure out which type of food is best for your dog.

Dry food is typically more affordable and easier to store than wet food. It’s also less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re worried about your dog making a mess. However, dry food is often lower in moisture than wet food, which can be important for dogs who are prone to dehydration.

When to Consult Your Vet

If you’re still not sure what type of food is best for your Shar Pei, talk to your vet. They can help you choose a food that meets your dog’s individual needs.

Summary

Choosing the best dog food for your Shar Pei is important for their health and well-being. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as breed-specific health problems, dietary needs, and personal preferences. Our top pick is The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Pork recipe for its all-natural, low-allergen ingredient list. However, with a little research, you should be able to find a food that is perfect for your dog. Thankfully, this list of the best dog foods for Shar Peis, plus information on how to choose the best diet for your Shar Pei, will help make the process a little easier.

---

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock