A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a medium-sized puppy helps support development without excess, with several small meals per day.
Adult : A complete, good-quality formula, divided into 2 meals, suits its moderate activity and helps stabilize weight.
Senior : With age, a more digestible and sometimes less energy-dense diet can be useful, especially if activity decreases or if joint sensitivities appear.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Complete, high-quality kibble, formulated for an adult medium-sized dog with a moderate activity level, generally suits the Shar-Pei very well. Depending on its dermatological or digestive profile, a veterinarian may recommend a more specific formula focused on sensitive skin, weight control, or joint support.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends on weight, the energy density of the food, age and body condition. In the adult Shar-Pei, the ration is generally divided into 2 meals in order to better control appetite and promote good digestive comfort.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 18 - 22 kg | 220 - 280 g | 2 |
| 22 - 25 kg | 280 - 320 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be made gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. It is preferable to gradually increase the proportion of the new food while observing stool quality, appetite and skin condition.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
The Shar-Pei must always have access to clean, fresh water, especially in hot weather. Good hydration contributes to overall comfort, proper digestive function and thermal regulation in this dog, which tolerates high temperatures poorly.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and be included in the total daily ration. It is better to choose simple, easily digestible rewards, in small quantities, so as not to encourage weight gain.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration rather than pouring it in by eye.
- Split the daily amount into 2 meals.
- Adjust the food if the skin or digestion become sensitive.
- Strictly limit extras to avoid weight gain.
Never give
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, avocado, cooked bones, alcohol, coffee, xylitol and table scraps that are too fatty or salty. These foods can cause digestive, neurological, kidney disorders or sometimes serious poisoning.
