What to feed Shar Peis at home: which food is better

The birthplace of Shar Peis is China. For centuries, these dogs were fed predominantly rice, which led to the formation of specific eating habits. In addition, the breed is prone to allergies and dermatitis.

Therefore, for the full development and maintenance of pet health, the diet should be prepared especially carefully.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Shar Pei

Dry dog ​​food is a complete nutritious diet for a pet, developed taking into account the physiology and characteristics of the animal. It contains carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and amino acids in a balanced state. When choosing, pay attention to the composition. The product must contain fats of animal and plant origin and natural ingredients. This is what dogs should receive to be healthy and cheerful.

Actions in case of allergies

The first thing to do if you have a food allergy is to identify the allergenic product and eliminate it from your diet. It is worth considering that the principles of feeding for food allergies depend on what the dog eats: dry food or natural food.

Let's consider two options for feeding during illness.

When feeding dry food

From the menu you need to exclude everything that the dog ate before the onset of the disease. The main dish for the coming weeks should be boiled rice with olive oil. Vitamins C, E and vitamin B complex should be added to the feed.

As soon as your pet gets better, you can gradually add carrot puree, boiled cabbage, ground lettuce or parsley to the food.

At the next stage, you need to switch to dry food again. It should be hypoallergenic with a low protein content (14 to 22%).

When feeding with natural products

All products must be removed from the menu except chicken wings and necks. If it turns out that chicken has become an allergenic product, then for the first two weeks your pet’s menu should include meat that you have never given it. However, allergies to chicken meat are extremely rare, so raw poultry meat is considered the most suitable food during the period of illness.

Just as in the first principle of feeding, vitamins C, E and B should be added to the diet.

As soon as the symptoms subside, you can add a raw egg, herbs, vegetables, heart, liver and ground fish to the menu.

When expanding the diet, you should not give everything at once and in large quantities. Try one product first, then another on the second day. This way you can observe your pet’s reaction.

Feeding

For healthy growth, development, and maintenance of the body, dry mixtures of 3 classes are used.
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1. Super premium (made from natural products, does not contain toxic additives or preservatives).
2. Premium (natural base, but 25-30% consists of by-products).
3. Economy (low quality, use of chemical preservatives and soy).

Veterinarians advise giving preference to premium and super premium food. There are quality options in the budget category, but you need to study the composition in detail before purchasing.

Review of industrial feeds

Many owners prefer to feed their pets ready-made food. When using industrial feed for food, no additional vitamin supplements are required. Many Shar-Peis like this type of food more than boiled porridge with vegetables. When choosing a product, you should give preference to super premium products. And before purchasing, check the ingredients. The food must not contain corn, soy or wheat.

Dogs of this breed cannot be fed with economy class food - it is harmful to their health due to the inappropriate composition. You need to choose food without food additives, preservatives and flavor enhancers. When feeding your pet with finished products, you should alternate the following types:

• dry food;
• semi-moist;
• wet;
• treats.

When choosing food, you can focus on the ratings of manufacturers. They are divided into several groups. The best companies are represented by the following:

• Artemis Maximal Dog;
• Orijen;
• Go Natural.

Good companies are represented by the following:

• Canidae;
• Acana;
• Innova.

The average brands include the following:

• Biomil;
• Nutro Ultra Holistic;
• Eagle Pack Holistic Select.

The best choice for feeding Shar Peis is hypoallergenic food. It belongs to the super premium or holistic classes and, by definition, cannot be cheap

When purchasing, in addition to the composition, you need to pay attention to the expiration date, country of supplier and integrity of the packaging. And also a large number of counterfeits of popular brands began to appear in stores, so if you have the slightest doubt, you should ask the seller for a product certificate, since the health of your pet comes first, and a product without documentation can be harmful

Compound

Veterinarians advise choosing a mixture with 20-25% proteins for sedentary representatives of the breed. Animal protein prevents the development of obesity and supports muscle growth.

The Shar Pei's daily diet should include the following components:

• Meat (duck, beef, turkey, rabbit);
• Cereals;
• Vegetables and plant fibers;
• Natural preservatives (tocopherol, ascorbic acid).

Dry food is the basis of the Shar Pei diet. With careful selection of food products, it is impossible to achieve a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. But ready-made food contains a full complex of substances in digestible form.

Description of the breed

The dogs described are relatively small, but if you need a sofa ottoman, then you are clearly making the wrong choice.
Shar Pei puppies (photos of these charmers create the illusory impression of sleepy hulks) are an inexhaustible source of energy. This is a very active, energetic and sociable dog, gentle and sweet with its owners and does not get along well with its neighbors in the walking area. She will definitely try to fight with someone, and often with great damage to herself. Features of the bite, the structure of the jaws, which are closed with luxurious folds around the mouth - all this once made the fight as safe as possible for opponents, and at the same time, spectacular. Therefore, when provoking a dog of another breed, the Shar Pei clearly does not calculate its strength.

You will probably be surprised by the color of this dog's tongue. Shar Pei puppies (we provide the photo below) are the complete opposite of all other representatives of the canine world. This is a gentle, folded miracle with a blue tongue and almond-shaped, dark eyes that always look a little gloomy under the folds. Its ears are small and dense, triangular in shape.

Acana Adult Dog Heritag 17 kg

Holistic class food without grains, allergic substances. Contains different types of meat, fish - 55%. It contains eggs, medicinal herbs, vegetables, fruits, fermentation products, vitamin and mineral supplements. Does not contain GMOs.

pros

• Suitable for any dogs;
• It has useful composition and properties;
• Natural ingredients;
• Rich in fiber;
• Has good taste;
• Has a low glycemic index;
• Economical.
• When eating, there are no problems with the skin, vision, joints, or gastrointestinal tract.

Minuses

• Sold in large packages;
• Not all stores have it.
• Contains legumes, which increases gas formation.

Prohibited Products

Eating natural food will have a good effect on the health of the Shar Pei if its owner follows all the rules of its diet. Also, in order to avoid allergic manifestations and problems with the dog’s digestive system, it is advisable to carefully monitor the quality of food.

It is forbidden to give Shar Pei the following ingredients:

• animal oil, milk;
• vermicelli, corn porridge, semolina;
• bones, lard, fatty meats, sausage;
• caviar, freshwater fish;
• beans, beans, peas, beets;
• smoked, pickled, salted, fried foods;
• sweets, bread;
• chocolate, sugar, bee honey;
• cherries, citrus fruits, grapes.

Go Fit + Free salmon, duck, turkey, chicken 2.72 kg

Holistic food without gluten. It contains more than 70% meat: turkey, chicken, duck, salmon fillet. Does not cause allergies. It is universal and designed for dogs of all breeds and ages.

pros

• Does not cause an allergic reaction;
• Natural ingredients;
• Enriched with nutrients, microelements, vitamins, oils, lactobacilli;
• Available in different packages;
• The package indicates the daily intake;
• Optimal ratio of price and quality;
• Does not contain by-products;

Minuses

• Poorly stored;
• When opened, it becomes weathered and loses its beneficial substances and properties. For long-term storage, pour into a closed container;
• Metabolism and the release of digestive products are enhanced.
• Increases fecal mass.

Nutrition Basics - Do's and Don'ts

When choosing a feeding method for your pet, you should firmly understand that you cannot mix natural and dry food. The peculiarity of Shar Peis is their tendency to allergies, so their diet is prepared especially carefully. The volume of the daily portion is directly dependent on the weight and height of the pet. The dog must have drinking water available at all times.

It is strictly forbidden to give your Shar Pei scraps from the owner's table.

There is a list of products that should not be on the menu:

• bones - a product that is completely meaningless for representatives of this breed. It is better to give him teething toys to chew on;
• sausages, replete with preservatives;
• pasta;
• of bread;
• river fish;
• pork and lamb are too fatty meats;
• any sugar-containing treats;
• chocolate, grapes and sweeteners;
• honey;
• spices, marinades.

Salt content in the Shar Pei's diet is allowed, but in strictly limited quantities.

Food should be at room temperature. It is impossible to give hot or frozen products, they are harmful to the stomach.

Orijen Adult Dog Freeze-dried food 0.45 kg

Belongs to the super premium class. Freeze-dried food, it can be given to dogs of all ages and breeds. Contains 80% meat and fish. The remaining percentages: eggs, legumes, liver, fruits, vegetables, herbs, microelements, lactobacilli. Does not contain preservatives, dyes, flavors, GMOs. Produced fresh, without freezing ingredients.

pros

• Balanced and natural composition;
• Does not contain grains;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Contains fiber;
• Improves appetite, digestion;
• It is used economically.
• They are produced using a technology where, due to exposure to low temperatures, only moisture is removed from the ingredients of the composition. All nutrients and beneficial substances are preserved.
• When consumed as food, the appearance and health of pets improves.

Minuses

• Increases feces and their output;
• Increases gas production in dogs;
• Not available in all stores;
• Sometimes rancid and burnt pellets with a bad odor are encountered.

What to feed during pregnancy and after childbirth?

A pregnant female especially needs the care and attention of the owner. For the first 30 days after mating there is no need to change the diet. The fruits are still very small and do not cause serious physiological changes in the body.

Then the daily amount of food is increased slightly, since the dog needs more energy. This amount is divided into 3-4 servings - the expectant mother cannot eat a lot of food at once. After all, the growing uterus puts pressure on the stomach and other internal organs.

For your information. A female Shar Pei may have toxicosis. It's okay if your dog periodically refuses to eat.

The diet should be dominated by protein foods - meat, fish, cottage cheese. It is important that the dog does not gain excess weight. It threatens complications during childbirth.

After the birth of Shar Pei puppies, they can eat 2-3 times more than before pregnancy. The dog continues to be fed in small portions.

In the first week of lactation, meat is excluded from the diet. Instead, they give sea fish, as it is better digestible.

Once the puppies are started on solid food, the amount of food for the mother is gradually reduced. When all the babies are sold out, the Shar Pei is given a fasting day, after which they return to their usual diet.

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dermatosis 12 kg

Premium class dietary food. Used when the dog shows intolerance to something. This is often manifested by hair loss, areas of dermatitis, and digestive disorders. It contains fish extract, flour, beet pulp, potatoes, vitamins, and minerals.

pros

• Medicinal food;
• Does not contain allergens;
• Contains natural fiber;
• Suitable for pets who are intolerant to beef or chicken;
• Improves the health and appearance of dogs;
• Does not contain preservatives, dyes, flavors;
• Convenient packaging for storage and use;
• Medicinal food that should be given to dogs with hypersensitivity to allergens.

Minuses

• Strong fishy smell;
• Do not use if the dog has hypersensitivity to fish and potatoes;
• Animals experience an increase in thirst;
• Overcharge.
• If your dog has recovered, then you need to switch it to another food and monitor its health.

What do Shar-Peis often get sick with?

Table with common symptoms in dogs:

The breed is also susceptible to pathologies that can also be found in humans:

• urolithiasis dysfunction;
• renal failure;
• overweight;
• diseases of joints and bones;
• allergy;
• diabetes;
• dermatosis, hair loss;
• anorexia;
• heart failure.

Barking Heads with lamb and rice Dreams of lamb 12kg

The food belongs to the premium class. Contains organic lamb meat, which was raised on natural products, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Veterinarians recommend food for small and medium breeds. Ingredients: freeze-dried lamb meat - 20%, fresh meat - 30%, oats, rice, trout, potatoes, animal fats, a mixture of medicinal herbs, algae, vitamins, minerals.

pros

• Made from natural ingredients;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Improves the condition of the skin, coat and joints;
• Strengthens the immune system.
• It has a good taste and smell.
• Suitable for pets with sensitivity to allergens.

Minuses

• Overcharge.

Sample menu for the day

An approximate daily diet for a mature dog might look like this:

1. Morning. Finely chopped raw meat.
2. Evening. Cut fruits, vegetables, or dairy products, as well as vitamins prescribed by a veterinarian.

If your pet refuses to eat during the day, you should not force him. Thus, he independently monitors his weight. If the dog is not sick, it will definitely eat tomorrow.

When caring for a Shar Pei, it should be taken into account that the number of calories in winter should be less, since Shar Pei are less active during this period. You should give food containing a large amount of vitamins (video author Artoshka Tarantoshka).

Arden Grange Sensetiv Ocean White Fish and Potatoes 12kg

The food belongs to the super premium category. Contains the necessary natural ingredients for dogs: pieces of meat, fish oil. When consumed, dogs' endurance increases.

pros

• Has a rich vitamin and mineral complex;
• Does not contain GMOs, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Does not contain cereals;
• Added antioxidants;
• The label shows the feeding schedule;
• Economically used;
• Has a good smell and taste;
• Improves pet's health.
• With long-term use there is no addiction to the composition;
• Suitable for dogs with a sedentary lifestyle and those in old age.

Minuses

• Some of its types contain corn, and this ingredient should not be in the super premium class.

Shar Pei diet as an adult

Photo source pixabay.com

If an adult dog has experienced changes in health and requires a change in diet, you need to switch from dry to natural food slowly and gradually. The minimum number of days for the transition is no less than 8. Here are our recommendations on what you can feed a Shar Pei after one year of age:

1. boiled cereals + meat products – fresh meat is very important for a dog’s complete diet;
2. vegetables and fruits - their quantity should be at least 40%;
3. fermented milk products – 20%.

At this age, the following products are strictly prohibited:

• sweets;
• milk;
• butter and vegetable oil;
• smoked meats, pickles, preserves;
• cereals: pearl barley, wheat, barley, millet.

Adult Shar Pei menu for every day

A sample menu for an adult dog looks like this:

• meat cut into small pieces;
• chopped vegetables/fruits or sour milk. It is important not to forget about vitamin complexes.

If the dog does not want to eat according to the schedule, but at the same time behaves and feels normally, you cannot insist - in the morning he will eat as usual. When caring for a Shar Pei, you need to remember the amount of calories at different times of the year: in summer, animals are more active, so they need more nutrients.

Feeding recommendations for pregnant and lactating Shar-Peis

Its behavior during the birth process depends on the nutrition of a pregnant dog: the animal should be well-fed, but not overfed. The diet should be dominated by vegetables and fruits. The basis of nutrition is special food for pregnant dogs, preferably from the same manufacturer as before. Larger portions can be divided into several parts.

Diet for older Shar Peis

A senior dog can be called older than 6 years of age. Feeding a Shar Pei in old age is characterized by some features:

1. it is necessary to reduce the concentration of fats;
2. the amount of fiber doubles;
3. food is selected more carefully, depending on the age category.

If owners feed the dog with industrial analogues, natural food should consist of:

• finely grated vegetables, fruits, chopped meat and meat products;
• low fat fermented milk;
• vitamin complexes intended for older dogs.

If you care for and love your dog, provide it with a good diet: balanced, rich in microelements and vitamins. The basic rule: finely chop or grate any food to improve the digestion process.

Applaws with chicken 7.5 kg

Premium food that contains chicken, eggs, peas, potatoes, animals, vegetable fats, vegetables, and herbs in a balanced combination. Has a low glycemic index.

pros

• Does not contain grains;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Balanced composition;
• Natural ingredients;
• The product is suitable for a balanced diet so that there are no problems with the health, activity and appearance of the dog;
• Veterinarians recommend this brand as a dietary one;
• It has a good appearance, smell and taste.

Minuses

• Not available in all stores.

Pros and cons of natural food

Advantages:

1. You yourself control what foods to give your dog and their quality;
2. You can create a variety of menus;
3. You can choose the right diet for your dog;
4. Control of calorie content of feed;
5. The food contains natural proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
6. No food additives, emulsifiers, preservatives.

Flaws:

1. Time consuming;
2. If you have an allergy, you will have to find out for yourself what product the reaction occurred to;
3. If you travel long distances with your dog, it will be difficult for him to cook;
4. Food spoils quickly;
5. If you create the wrong menu, it can cause health problems for your pet.

Proseries Holistic with lamb and rice 12.9 kg

Holistic class food. It has a composition suitable for feeding dogs of all ages and breeds. It does not contain ingredients that help cause allergies: soy, corn, wheat, chicken. Instead of meat, they included fish, animals, and vegetable fats, which are well absorbed by the pet’s body.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-sharpeya.html

pros

• Hypoallergenic;
• Balanced composition of natural ingredients;
• Strengthens the immune system, supports the animal’s musculoskeletal system;
• Improves blood circulation and appearance of the pet;
• Serves as a source of protein for dogs suffering from an allergic reaction to meat products;
• It passed all tests in America and Canada and, according to their results, it was recognized as a complete, balanced product to ensure the health of dogs at any age;
• The composition of the product is selected to pay maximum attention to the health of the dog.

Minuses

• Difficult to find in pet stores;
• Strong fishy odor;
• Contains grains.

Basic recommendations on how to feed your Shar Pei

Since this is a fairly rare breed of dog, most owners really don't know what to feed their Shar-Pei. Such dogs are prone to allergies and obesity. Under no circumstances should a person feed a dog food from his table. The pet can be given either special food or natural food.

Feeding a dog of this breed is painstaking work.

For your information! A competent veterinarian will help you choose the appropriate hypoallergenic food for your Shar Pei. He will tell you what natural products you can prepare for your pet.

If your Shar Pei becomes overweight, you need to urgently adjust your diet. Increase fiber content in the diet and reduce calories. You can remove foods containing starch and carbohydrates from your diet and add more green vegetables, fruits and herbs.

Important! The dog must drink enough clean water, so it should always have a bowl of fresh drinking water.

Shar Pei should be fed either natural food or hypoallergenic food

Royal Canin medium adult 15 kg

Super premium food, created for a dog’s balanced nutrition and all its taste needs. Its composition: cereal flour, dehydrated pork, rice, fats of vegetable and animal origin, yeast. A vitamin and mineral complex has been added to the product.

pros

• Widely distributed throughout the Russian Federation;
• Has good taste;
• Well digested by the body;
• When consumed, the immune system is strengthened and the appearance of the skin and coat improves;
• The product has medicinal properties.

Minuses

• Contains grains;
• Lots of crafts. The original is made in France.

Vitamins and mineral supplements

Feeding with natural food involves the introduction of vitamin and mineral supplements:

• brewer's yeast;
• fish oil;
• probiotics;
• crushed eggshells;
• bone meal.

The veterinarian will tell you the optimal dosage for a particular animal.

It is useful to give beagles 1–2 times a year complex supplements in courses lasting from 2 weeks to 1.5 months. Continuous use threatens hypervitaminosis.

The following brands have proven themselves to be effective:

• Canvit;
• Sanal;
• Hokamix;
• Canina;
• Excel 8 in 1;
• Beaphar.

There are supplements on sale aimed at solving various problems with the skin, joints, nervous system, etc. It is better to get tested first to understand what substances are missing in your pet’s body.

Beagles can be fed natural products or prepared foods, but with any approach, the food must be of high quality. Thanks to proper nutrition, the little prankster will be cheerful, active and full of energy.

Grandorf Duck with sweet potato all breeds 12 kg

The product belongs to the super premium class. It has the following ingredients in its balanced composition: duck, turkey, sweet potato, dried herbs, fruits and vegetables. Made using technology that preserves all the properties of the ingredients.

pros

• Made from natural ingredients;
• Has good taste, smell, color;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Contains a digestive bioregulator;
• Does not contain preservatives, GMOs, artificial colors;
• Well absorbed by the body;
• Economical consumption;
• Has a good effect on the pet's health;
• The food has a balanced composition and is suitable for daily nutrition of dogs of all breeds;
• Can completely replace the dog’s need for meat food;
• Ideal for pets with severe allergic sensitivities.

Minuses

• Difficult to find in veterinary stores;
• Has a laxative effect on the pet.

Above are ten of the best dry foods for medium dogs. Choosing the right food for dogs is important; it takes into account the health characteristics of the pet and its preferences. Each of them is good, but out of all of them I will single out only two that are at the top positions of the rating and deserve increased attention: Acana Adult Dog Heritag and Go Fit + Free salmon, duck, turkey, chicken.

They both belong to the holistic class, are suitable for everyday nutrition, and have few disadvantages. The composition does not contain grains or products that contribute to the occurrence of an allergic reaction, which is often found among medium-sized dogs.

They contain a rich vitamin and mineral complex. By consuming these products, your pet will receive the necessary substances and will enjoy good health and longevity. These 2 high-quality products fully meet your pet's need for a healthy and balanced diet. Those who give these brands of food to animals are happy and do not want to look for new food.

Natural diet

It is most convenient to feed your dog using industrial food. But this is not always possible. What else, besides ready-made dry or wet food, can meet the needs of a Shar Pei?

Natural products that make up a balanced diet are quite suitable for this. It should include:

• raw meat and offal (50% of the menu) - with the exception of chicken;
• boiled egg (once a week) – preferably a quail one;
• pumpkin, carrots and zucchini;
• kefir and other fermented milk products – 5% of the diet;
• sea ​​fish;
• cereals: rice and buckwheat. Wheat, pearl barley or barley porridge is not absorbed by the Shar Pei's body.

Photo: pixabay.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZPLH_DwUq0

Need for vitamins

Medium-sized dogs cover many breeds, from basset hounds to huskies. By their nature, they can be characterized by low mobility or be active. Pets of these species need vitamins in addition to their diet.

The daily need for supplements is determined by gender and age characteristics. It depends on the weight, breed, physical development, air temperature during maintenance. Organic substances are needed for normal growth and development, viable offspring, and good health. When starting to introduce elements into the diet, take into account the weight of the pet.

It is important to worry about the intake of vitamins into the body of animals when eating natural food or when consuming economy-class feed. To improve your pet's health, you will need prolonged courses of supplements once a month. Medium breed dogs kept on dry food should take a vitamin course at least once every six months. For aging animals, it is enough to take the course once a year, provided they are fed with food and natural food.

Pet health items:

1. Retinoids, including: vitamin A, vitamin A2, retinol and retinoic acid. Needed to reproduce healthy offspring. Without these vitamins, animals do not develop normal bone tissue, cartilage, and epithelium. Retinal is involved in the functioning of the visual organs. The element is needed to produce light-sensitive pigments for vision in the dark. When it is deficient, dogs develop “night blindness.”
2. Thiamine (B1). A necessary element for the normal functioning of the nervous system. With a sufficient level of the substance, the pet will be balanced and calm. Supplements with it are needed for pets that are severely exhausted or stressed. A lack of the element thiamine causes disorders of the animal's digestive tract. Its deficiency leads to weight loss and lack of appetite. The element helps puppies grow, providing them with energy and vigor.
3. Riboflabin (B2). The condition of the coat and skin depends on the normal concentration of the substance in the body. The vitamin strengthens the animal’s immunity and defense mechanisms, helps neutralize inflammatory processes. Vitamin B2 deficiency in a dog's body can cause muscle weakness, mucosal lesions, and conjunctivitis.
4. Niacin (B3). The vitamin fights animal “bad” cholesterol, increases hemoglobin, and normalizes the metabolism of proteins and fats. After feeding the pet, nicotinic acid stimulates gastric juice and enzymes. Saturates the body with energy, helps to absorb protein from vegetables introduced into the diet. It is impossible to give vitamin B3 to an animal often. Its excess will cause disruption of the endocrine system and hair loss.

Shar Pei nutritional features

If you have recently become acquainted with this breed, it is important to listen to the advice of experts:

1. The dog should eat no more than 15 minutes - self-discipline is important from a very early age;
2. The schedule is the main detail of the order. Don't change your meal times;
3. the importance of fasting days is equal to the human regime - an adult dog should have them at least once every 14 days, a small puppy - once a month;
4. new dishes are introduced gradually, in small portions. It is important to observe the dog’s behavior and well-being after eating;
5. After eating, the dog should rest: the duration of the break between walks and training is an hour to an hour and a half. At this time, you cannot play or run actively - stomach volvulus may occur;
6. A peculiarity of the breed is the prohibition on mixed nutrition. If the owner fed the dog natural food, he should not be introduced (even gradually) with dry food;
7. in the cold season, it is advisable to feed your pet less high-calorie food - this is due to the dog’s passivity. This recommendation is important for dogs with the horse coat type.

Dogs of this breed have a genetic predisposition to obesity: regulate food intake and active leisure. Some pets can independently control weight gain: the dog behaves as usual, but does not want to eat. In this case, do not overload him - he will let you know when he is hungry. Shar Peis over the age of 6 years (older) are transferred to a special menu when they are prone to obesity. If the animal behaves freely without gaining weight, there is no need to change the regime. A dog who constantly wants a snack should receive pumpkin in his diet - boiled, stewed, raw. It relieves the stomach, is well absorbed and tolerated.

The approach to feeding a Shar Pei must be individual: it is not easy and expensive. You should think about whether it is worth getting such a four-legged friend for yourself if it is not possible to provide him with proper care. The breed is prone to dermatitis, allergies, hypothyroidism and other diseases that appear from poor nutrition.

Proper feeding of puppies

With the correct diet, the puppy will be strong, his immunity will resist any diseases. In order for the anatomical and functional systems to form correctly, the pet needs high-quality products and a complex of vitamins.

A selection of nutrients and microelements is contained in dry food. At the same time, up to six months, puppies of medium breeds can be given balanced food for small breeds. After six months - dry food for large dogs.

For puppies from 3 months old, super premium food is suitable. Grain-free food contains fresh and boiled meat, fruits and vegetables. This diet does not contain hormonal drugs or by-products.

For puppies suffering from allergies or gastrointestinal disorders, select holistic-grade food. Complete dry food will ensure the safety of digestion and the balance of the puppy’s intestinal microflora. Satisfies the high energy needs of medium breed babies during a short period of their growth.

For two-week-old puppies, you can add porridge to their diet. From one and a half months, feed dry croquettes with a high calorie content. For the first few days, soak the granules in milk or warm water. Start switching to this food with 12-16 grains per day. Monitor the condition of the puppy, and in case of a negative reaction, stop feeding granules. If your puppy's skin regularly scratches and peels after eating kibble, give your baby water to drink frequently.

Unlike adult pets, medium breed puppies should be fed more often:

• From 2 to 4 months - 6 times;
• From 3 to six months - 4 times;
• From five to 10 months - 3 times.

How many times a day to feed

During the suckling period, puppies are fed up to 6 times a day, depending on how much mother's milk they receive.

After weaning, the number of feedings is reduced to 5 times a day. This is enough to keep the kids full. Food is given every 3 hours from 7:00 to 22:00.

Puppies grow as their stomachs do and can eat increasing amounts of food at a time. Therefore, from 3 months to six months, Shar Peis are fed 4 times a day, increasing the portion size.

After 6 months, food is given 3 times a day. This scheme is followed for up to 12 months. After a year, it is enough to feed the Shar Pei twice a day.

The amount of food is determined depending on physical activity and the individual characteristics of the pet. During the period of active development, the daily feeding rate is approximately 7% of the dog’s weight, for adult animals - about 4%.

The dosage of dry food is usually indicated on the pack.

Diseases and health problems from food

Owners of bull terriers, bulldogs, basset hounds and retrievers often face the problem of excess weight in their animals. Obesity develops due to little physical activity and a lack of fresh, unprocessed plant foods in the diet. Due to an increase in body weight due to adipose tissue, pathologies develop:

• Increased glucose levels and metabolic disorders;
• Congestive heart failure;
• Violation of the rhythm and depth of breathing, lack of air;
• Arthrosis;
• Arthritis;
• Hemarthrosis;
• Hip dysplasia;
• Synovitis;
• Osteoarthritis.

If you suspect one of the diseases, exclude food with high calorie content from the diet, do not feed fatty meat and baked goods. Replace high-calorie foods with natural feed mixtures with a reduced amount of fat. Switching to lightweight granules will burn extra calories while retaining all the beneficial substances in the body.

Often counterfeit food does not contain meat products and necessary elements, but cereals and stabilizers. Due to the poor quality of this food, the animal may develop:

• Allergic reaction;
• Inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa;
• Esophagitis of the esophagus;
• Inflammatory process in the pancreas;
• Manifestation of urolithiasis;
• Frequent bowel movements with the release of liquid stool.

If signs of pathologies appear, the animal must be urgently transferred to holistic food and plenty of fluids with the addition of rehydron.

Feeding pregnant dogs

After a successful mating, the bitch’s body changes, adapting to future babies. Natural reflexes and instincts work in the interests of the dog's health. Unpleasant exceptions often occur. If there is a lack of necessary elements in the body, the bitch aborts.

In the last days of pregnancy, babies take away all the beneficial substances from their mother. This leads to bad consequences in the bitch’s body after giving birth. The main danger is calcium deficiency. A lack of the substance in a pregnant bitch can cause a severe form of gestosis. Due to an imbalance of potassium-calcium balance, the animal’s blood pressure increases greatly, leading to a risk of pregnancy. Along with calcium, a pregnant pet needs magnesium, which is involved in the functioning of the central nervous system.

The bitch's diet when carrying puppies must be of good quality. Proper feeding during the entire period of pregnancy greatly influences its progress and the development of the fetus. Add chicken yolks mashed with cottage cheese to your pet’s diet 2 times a week. When carrying puppies, you need proteins that will help the babies develop properly.

Until five weeks of pregnancy, the animal does not need additional nutrients. If the dog is given more food during this period, it will gain weight, but the risk of complications during childbirth will increase. She should be switched to an enhanced diet on day 35. There is no need to be alarmed if your pet doesn’t eat more. When carrying one or two fruits, she does not need to increase the dose of food. She needs to be given vitamins.

What not to feed

Shar Peis should not be fed food from the human table, even if they piteously beg for a tasty morsel.

Also prohibited:

• dishes with salt and spices;
• fried food;
• fatty meat, sausages and smoked meats;
• sweets and baked goods;
• fast food and semi-finished products;
• products containing caffeine and other stimulants;
• River fish;
• tubular bones;
• pasta, millet and corn;
• grapes, raisins, citrus fruits, walnuts, mushrooms.

These products negatively affect the functioning of internal organs, and some of them can cause poisoning.