Chow Chow Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Chow Chow — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Chow Chow is a beloved medium breed from China, ranked #89 in AKC popularity. Often compared to cats for their independence, cleanliness, and aloofness, Chow Chows are fiercely loyal to one person while maintaining a dignified reserve that commands respect. The Non-Sporting Group is one of the most diverse in the AKC registry, and the Chow Chow brings its own distinct set of feeding requirements. At 45-70 lbs, this is a substantial dog that needs a well-balanced diet to maintain its frame. An adult Chow Chow needs between 907 and 1264 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Adult Chow Chows (45–70 lbs) typically need 0.7 to 1.4 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. A formula suited to medium breeds provides appropriate nutrient density. Low to moderate exercise needs of 30 minutes daily. They overheat easily due to their massive coat and should avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather.—adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $65–99/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Chow Chow
Adult
907-1264
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1237
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
807-1124
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Chow Chows
With a calm, low-energy temperament, the Chow Chow is particularly susceptible to overfeeding. Their daily requirement of 2.4-3.3 cups may seem surprisingly small, but exceeding it regularly leads to weight gain. A weight-management or light formula can help, and measuring every meal with a proper cup — not estimating — is essential for this breed.
Bloat Prevention for Chow Chows
Chow Chows are predisposed to Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) (commonly known as bloat), one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off blood supply. How you feed your Chow Chow directly impacts this risk. Deep-chested breeds like the Chow Chow are anatomically more susceptible, but proper feeding practices significantly reduce the odds.
Essential Feeding Practices
- Divide daily food into 2-3 smaller meals instead of one large feeding
- Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping air while eating
- Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 30-60 minutes before and after meals
- Keep your dog calm during and after mealtimes — excitement increases air swallowing
- Consider moistening kibble with warm water to reduce expansion in the stomach
- Avoid elevated bowls if your vet hasn't specifically recommended them
Chow Chow Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.2-1.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.2-1.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Chow Chow
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.4-3.3 cups | 907-1264 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 3.6-5.1 cans | 907-1264 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 14-34 oz | 907-1264 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.4-3.3 cups
- Calories
- 907-1264 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 3.6-5.1 cans
- Calories
- 907-1264 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 14-34 oz
- Calories
- 907-1264 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Chow Chows
The Chow Chow has modest exercise needs — 20-30 minutes of gentle walks and indoor play daily is usually sufficient. Because of their low activity level, there is rarely a need to adjust food intake for exercise. The bigger risk is overfeeding a relatively sedentary dog. If your Chow Chow gets less activity than usual (bad weather, recovery from illness), consider reducing portions by 10%.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Chow Chows, which are predisposed to Hip Dysplasia. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Chow Chow's Dense double coat, either rough (long) or smooth (short) requires nutritional support from the inside out. Double-coated breeds undergo significant seasonal shedding (known as "blowing coat") in spring and fall, during which nutritional demands for skin and hair production increase. A diet deficient in essential fatty acids, biotin, or zinc will show in the coat quality within weeks — look for dullness, excessive shedding, or dry, flaky skin as early warning signs.
Key Nutrients for Coat Health
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Chow Chows, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Chow Chow with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Chow Chow shows these signs, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. While thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is the primary treatment, dietary support matters: ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet, maintain strict portion control to prevent weight gain, and consider a weight-management formula if your dog is on thyroid medication but still struggling with weight.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding because the Chow Chow always seems hungry
Some breeds appear perpetually hungry due to genetics or behavior. Stick to measured portions and use low-calorie treats like baby carrots, green beans, or ice cubes. If your Chow Chow inhales food, try a slow-feeder bowl.
Feeding one large meal per day
Chow Chows are at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency. Always split daily food into 2-3 smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating. Consider an elevated bowl and a slow-feeder.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early — even at 1-2 years old — is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change — brand, flavor, or formula — should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Chow Chows included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Chow Chow's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 863 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Chow Chow-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Chow Chows, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Add a joint supplement with glucosamine (500-1000mg) and chondroitin. Consider foods with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation.
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Meal Frequency
Feed 2-3 smaller meals per day instead of one large meal. Use a slow-feeder bowl. Avoid exercise 30 minutes before and after meals.
Chow Chow Ideal Weight
Assessing your Chow Chow's body condition (healthy range: 45–70 lbs): Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage—you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer. Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips. Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib. Overweight Chow Chows face higher risks of Hip Dysplasia, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Chow Chow
45-70 lbs
20-32 kg
Female Chow Chow
38-61 lbs
17-28 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.