The 13 Best Dog Foods for Shar-Pei in 2023

By Kevin Myers | 2023 Update

This ultimate guide lists all of the best dog foods for Shar-Pei this year.

Innocent faces, wrinkled bodies, and beady eyes – you just can’t ignore a Shar-Pei when you see one!

The majestic Shar-Pei is originally from China, and is one of the best canine companions one can own. These intelligent dogs are fiercely loyal and very protective of their family. However, Shar-Peis have natural hunting instincts and can become a handful without proper training.

Typically calm, these snuggle-buddies can turn into guard dogs in the blink of an eye if they sense any threat. In addition to proper training, Shar-Pei also requires proper nutrition to keep them in peak condition. And since they have a moderately active lifestyle, these dogs must exercise regularly and keep an eye on the calories to avoid obesity.

Choosing the right food for Shar-Pei can be challenging, so I created this guide to help. This article will discuss the specific dietary requirements of a Shar-Pei and review their top food options based on our detailed 40-point inspection list.

Let’s dive in right away!

The Best Dog Foods for Shar-Peis Reviewed

Top PicksRatingTop Ingredients
#1. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dog Food
(Editor’s Choice)
4.9Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
#2. Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken and Turkey Dog Food4.8Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas
#3. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior LID Dog Food4.8Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
#4. Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod, Salmon & Sweet Potato Canned Food4.8Cod, Chicken, Fish Broth, Turkey, Liver
#5. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food4.7Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas
#6. American Journey Active Life Beef and Brown Rice Dog Food4.7Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Rice Bran
#7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food4.6Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
#8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dog Food4.6Deboned Lamb, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Lamb Meal, Canola Oil

#1. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Duck, 2. Duck Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,668 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

This grain-free recipe by the Taste of the Wild uses real duck as the primary source of protein. Other protein-rich ingredients are roasted turkey and quail. High-quality protein is essential to build your Shar-Pei’s strong, lean muscles. In addition, this natural recipe is also rich in powerful antioxidants derived from vegetables and fruits. 

The added vitamin supports overall health. Keeping your Shar-Pei’s wrinkly skin and coat in mind, the recipe also boasts essential fatty acids to keep the skin and coat healthy and shiny. This recipe is a complete and balanced meal for your Shar-Pei.

#2. Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken and Turkey Dog Food

Ratings

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Potatoes, 5. Peas

  • Life Stage: Puppy
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,867 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Provide your dog with wholesome nutrition from the start by choosing a nutritious and complete puppy food with the best ingredients. This delicious grain-free option by Wellness CORE is a unique puppy formula made from real chicken and turkey. 

The recipe is crafted with optimal calories, DHA levels, and antioxidant-rich ingredients to support your Shar-Pei pup’s immune health, growth, and brain and eye development. Wellness CORE Grain Free for Puppies is the perfect diet for your Shar-Pei puppy.

#3. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior LID Dog Food

Ratings

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Garbanzo Beans

  • Life Stage: Senior
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

This food from Canidae is a complete recipe for your senior Shar-Pei. The special limited-ingredient diet includes carefully selected ingredients to provide your dog with the nutrition he requires during his golden age. 

The formula supports sensitive digestion and is free from grains, corn, soy, wheat, and other fillers that could upset the stomach. This recipe uses only nine wholesome ingredients to provide your dog with only the best. Every bite is a blend of antioxidants, probiotics, and essential fatty acids for the overall health of your senior Shar-Pei.  

#4. Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod, Salmon & Sweet Potato Canned Food

Ratings

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Cod, 2. Chicken, 3. Fish Broth, 4. Turkey, 5. Liver

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,090 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 8% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
  • Form: Dry

Instill a new love for eating in your dog with this delicious Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod Canned Food. The seafood-based recipe uses fresh Alaskan cod and salmon meat, perfect for sustaining the muscle mass of the lean Shar-Pei. Sweet potatoes provide a source of easily digestible carbs and prebiotic fiber for your dog’s digestive health.

All these ingredients are packed in a tasty fish broth that instantly piques your dog’s appetite. It’s also worth noting that this Purina Beyond food is not an entrée or appetizer and can be fed on its own as it offers a complete diet with vitamins and minerals. Sensitive dogs can tolerate this recipe well because it’s free from corn, wheat, soy, grains, and artificial additives.

#5. Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Organic Chicken, 2. Organic Chicken Meal, 3. Organic Sweet Potatoes, 4. Organic Chickpeas, 5. Organic Peas

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,660 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
  • Form: Dry

Castor & Pollux Organix Dog Food is an amazing option to consider for those willing to spend extra money on their dog’s diet. The recipe is made exclusively from organic ingredients, from chicken to sweet potatoes to sunflower oil. All ingredients are non-GMO and free from pesticides, making them healthier and more beneficial for your dog.

Besides being organic, the food is rich in proteins and contains non-grain carbs like sweet potatoes, which are ideal for sensitive dogs. It also contains omega fatty acids to reduce skin swelling and infections common with Shar Pei. The food is prepared in organic-certified USA kitchens.

#6. American Journey Active Life Beef and Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Beef, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Barley, 5. Rice Bran

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,496 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Fill your Shar-Pei’s bowl with the goodness of high-quality nutrition and fuel their adventurous spirit. This natural formula by American Journey is a complete, balanced, and well-rounded diet that includes natural protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and wholesome fiber sources. 

The recipe contains easy-to-digest grains and is free from artificial and harmful ingredients.  Keep up your dog’s healthy immune system with a formula that guarantees a precise blend of essential nutrients.

#7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Tapioca

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 4,406 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 37% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

Fulfill your beloved Shar-Pei’s nutritional needs with food using high-quality, natural ingredients. The formula uses cage-free chicken as the primary animal protein for muscle maintenance. 

It includes raw nutrition from freeze-dried chicken to unlock your Shar-Pei’s potential. The recipe is thoughtfully balanced with wholesome ingredients to deliver guaranteed levels of essential omegas, probiotics, and antioxidants to your dog.

#8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Healthy Weight Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Potatoes, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Lamb Meal, 5. Canola Oil

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Large, giant breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,562 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

What I like the most about this dog food by Blue Buffalo is the Life Protection Formula. In addition to a variety of wholesome ingredients, which includes real meat for protein, the recipe contains garden veggies, fruits, whole grains, and added LifeSource Bits. 

These are the precise blend of essential nutrients enhanced with antioxidant-rich ingredients. Since Shar-Peis are prone to health problems like obesity, this diet also boasts a ‘weight control’ feature to help maintain a healthy weight. It also contains chelated minerals and vitamins for a robust immune system.

#9. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 3. Whole Grain Sorghum, 4. Brewers Rice, 5. Chicken Meal

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Large, giant breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,617 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

This recipe is suitable for adult Shar-Pei and contains all wholesome ingredients to meet your dog’s dietary requirements. The formula contains farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient and includes whole grains for energy and digestion. 

It also includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that add nutritional value and flavor to their meal. This premium option includes all-natural oils and fats to promote coat and skin health.

#10. Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Dried Ground Potatoes

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,436 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 5.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
  • Form: Dry

Shar-Pei can suffer from nasty skin infections due to food allergies. You need to feed them a diet like Wellness Simple LID Grain-Free Dog Food. It is entirely free from all ingredients known to trigger allergies in dogs, such as grains, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy, as well as specific proteins like chicken and beef. 

Instead, the food derives protein from turkey meat and carbs from potatoes. Both foods are highly digestible and nourishing for your dog’s muscles and energy reserves. It will also reduce the risk of joint problems with glucosamine and make your dog’s coat even healthier with omega fatty acids. 

#11. Nom Nom Turkey Fare

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground Turkey, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Eggs, 4. Carrots, 5. Spinach

  • Life Stage: All
  • Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 1,479 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 72%
  • Form: Frozen

Allow your dog to experience the benefits and taste of a freshly cooked meal with Nom Nom Now. Our favorite recipe for Shar-Pei is the Turkey Fare, made from human-grade turkey meat, brown rice, carrots, eggs, and spinach. It’s full of proteins that repair muscle tissue and vitamin A, which is crucial for Shar-Pei prone to eye disease.

Moreover, the diet features fish oil for a bright mind and plenty of carbs to keep them active throughout the day. The best part of Nom Nom is the diet plan is customized according to your dog’s age, breed, activity levels, and health profile, so you won’t have to deal with allergies or sensitivities. The meals are delivered fresh at your doorstep, can be frozen, and are oozing with taste and aroma. 

#12. Solid Gold Wolf King Bison, Sweet Potato, and Brown Rice Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Bison, 2. Ocean Fish Meal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Pearled Barley

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Large breeds
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,440 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
  • Form: Dry

The right Shar-Pei food is the one that can support their overall health and meet their nutritional needs – that’s what this Solid Gold recipe offers. This recipe is the perfect blend of wholesome and rich ingredients that are excellent for your Shar-Pei’s well-being. 

The recipe includes real bison meat as the primary protein source and other holistic ingredients packed with nutrition. This formula is balanced with prebiotics to promote your dog’s healthy gut. Fulfill your bud’s instincts with this complete diet and unleash the wolf within.

#13. VICTOR Classic Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top Ingredients: 1. Beef Meal, 2. Grain Sorghum, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Pork Meal, 5. Chicken Meal

  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable for: Small, Medium Breed
  • Caloric content (per kg): 3,815 kcal
  • Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3.8% | Moisture (max.) 9%
  • Form: Dry

Even though Shar-Pei can adapt to active or sedentary lifestyles, they will thrive the most on a high-energy diet like Victor Classic Hi-Pro Dog Food. The high-protein recipe is full of amino acids and will perfectly maintain the body of this muscular breed. It also contains gluten-free grains to give your dog more fuel without causing any digestive upsets. 

Your dog will also enjoy stronger immunity and grow healthier fur as the food contains vitamins and fatty acids. The food’s VPRO blend will also improve their gastrointestinal health with a combination of prebiotics and probiotic fiber. As the recipe is free from wheat, corn, and soy, it’s unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in your Shar-Pei.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

The Best Dog Food for Shar-Pei – A Buyer’s Guide

Irrespective of the breed you own, it is your responsibility as a dog owner to provide the best nutrition to your canine companion. However, quality is a significant consideration when it comes to choosing a Shar-Pei diet. This breed only thrives on high-quality food because they are more lethargic than other dogs. They love food and are highly prone to obesity. Food rich in high-quality protein with lower fat content will serve the purpose of keeping their weight in check and preventing obesity and obesity-related diseases.

A high-quality diet is important for Shar-Peis as it saves them from other health conditions too. Unless the condition or disease is hereditary or genetic, the quality of nutrition you offer your Shar-Pei can play a huge role in preventing health problems and supporting overall great health.  

Read through this guide to learn more.

Understanding a Shar-Pei’s Dietary Requirements

Considered as a medium-sized breed, an adult Shar-Pei can weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. Despite their lazy nature, it is important to encourage these dogs to exercise and take the recommended amount of calories to stay healthy and mobile.

An adult Shar-Pei would require around 1300 calories in a day. Add and subtract depending on their activity level, life stage, and health condition.

Below are some general guidelines for Shar-Peis dietary requirements.  

Photo by Tiago Vasconcelos on Unsplash

–          Puppy Shar-Pei Diet

A younger Shar-Pei would require more calories and protein during their puppyhood. You can aim to feed 1000-1200 calories to your puppy in a day keeping their activity level in mind. Divide their calories into 3-4 meals during the day.

–          Adult Shar-Pei Diet

While the dietary requirement will vary from one dog to another, as a general rule, an adult dog’s calorie intake would increase to up to 1300 calories in a day. Divide these calories into two meals per day.

–          Senior Shar-Pei Diet

By the time your Shar-Pei turns 7, you should consider a diet that’s more appropriate for senior dogs. Their calorie requirement will decline too, just like their activity level. Senior Shar-Peis should be fed not more than 1000 calories in a day.

It is important to pay attention to the type of formula you have chosen for your dog to be more cautious of the calories and protein content you’re feeding them daily. So don’t get hung on the idea of calorie count alone.

Special Dietary Considerations

What to Feed a Shar-Pei

In a nutshell, you should always choose a natural, healthy diet that consists of lean meats. A good recipe is always supplemented with other whole ingredients like vegetables and fruits to provide complete and balanced nutrition to your dog. These ingredients help maintain overall health.

For Shar-Peis, special attention should be given to ingredients that take care of coat health and protect the skin. This means that the diet you choose for your Shar-Pei should include essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as they’re responsible for coat and skin conditions.

Last but not least, steer clear of foods that contain any form of artificial ingredients or allergens, such as corn, soy, preservatives, and artificial colors.

Here’s a detailed break-up to help you understand Shar-Pei’s dietary considerations better.  

Meats

All high-quality dog food brands should include meat as their first ingredient and primary source of protein. For building and maintaining muscles, it is important for your dog’s diet to include adequate levels of crude protein content. Since Shar-Peis are prone to obesity, a diet that offers lean protein is the best bet.  

Carbs

Carbs are also an essential part of a Shar-Pei’s diet. Even though lazy, they’re high-energy dogs, and carbs help fuel those energy levels. However, it is important to have a very moderate approach when it comes to feeding carbs. If your Pei isn’t active enough but consumes a carb-dense diet, it will soon turn to obesity. Good carb options include oats, brown rice, barley, and sweet potatoes.

Healthy Saturated Fats

As mentioned earlier, your Shar-Peis soft coat and wrinkly skin require healthy saturated fats to stay healthy and shiny. Fats like omega 3 and omega 6 should be present in high-quality kibble. These saturated fats also help prevent skin-related diseases and reduce sensitivities.  

Shar-Pei Feeding Guide

It is vital to check out the measurements for each brand accordingly. Generally, a Shar-Pei pup would require a cup of food thrice a day. After eight months, reduce the frequency to twice per day.

For snacks, you can go ahead and reward them with a few treats during the day. It is important to remember that treats should never make more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet. The snacks may be a delicious reward, but they do not contain enough nutritional value to keep up with your dog’s dietary requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I expect my Shar-Pei to stop growing?

Shar-Peis are fully grown by 16 months. While Shar-Pei pups look like an adorable ball of wrinkles, the lines may disappear as they grow older. However, the majority of dogs will still have heavily wrinkled faces even when they’re fully grown.

2. Which food option is best if my Shar-Pei is a picky eater?

Blue Buffalo is a great option for a picky Shar-Pei. Not only it’s a high-quality option but includes a delicious blend of ingredients that dogs find hard to resist. All the options listed in this article are excellent for your pup. So compare your options and pick the best one.

3. Does food help with keeping their coat and skin healthy?

Food can make or break your dog’s health. It can be the ultimate source of wellness for your canine friend or a primary allergen that could cause various health problems. As far as skin and coat are concerned, foods with saturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 are great for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.

4. What are the common health problems of Shar-Peis that I should know of?

Common health problems include elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye problems, autoimmune thyroiditis, skin fold infections, and obesity.

5. How do I keep my Shar-Pei healthy and happy?

Here are some simple rules to keep your Shar-Pei healthy and happy:

  • Proper nutrition, regular diet, utmost care
  • Coat care by regular brushing
  • Brush their teeth at least twice a week
  • Keep her wrinkles clean and bathe them as needed to prevent skin infections
  • Spend quality time with your little furry friend

Conclusion

Feeding your Shar-Pei a balanced diet contributes to their longevity and happiness. It helps maintain their coat, skin, and digestive health.

You must consider top-quality dog food to for your little pup to ensure they enjoy and thrive. The options we’ve listed are hard to resist for even the pickiest eater. Choose the right food and surprise your adorable wrinkly companion with the boost of flavors and nutrition.