DAY 11 - Choosing the Right Kibble for Your Chow Chow (Allergy-Friendly Edition!)

If you own a Chow Chow, you already know they are fluffy, independent, and absolute vacuums when it comes to food! But what happens when your pup has food allergies or sensitivities?

When Zoey started showing signs of itchy skin, upset stomach, and constant paw licking, we knew her diet needed a change. After some trial and error, we found that high-protein kibble with lamb or salmon worked best for her allergies.

So, if you’re struggling to find the right allergy-friendly kibble for your Chow, here’s everything you need to know!

Why Kibble Choice Matters for Chow Chows

Chow Chows are prone to food allergies and digestive issues, so picking the right kibble is crucial. The wrong diet can lead to:

🚫 Itchy skin & hot spots

🚫 Ear infections & excessive scratching

🚫 Digestive problems (bloating, diarrhoea, vomiting)

🚫 Low energy & dull coat

Many commercial kibbles contain cheap fillers, poultry by-products, and artificial additives—all of which can trigger allergies in sensitive dogs. This is why selecting a high-quality kibble with limited ingredients is key!

What to Look for in Allergy-Friendly Kibble for Chow Chows

When choosing kibble for an allergy-prone Chow Chow, focus on these factors:

1. High-Quality Protein Source 🥩🐟

✔ Lamb or Salmon – Both are great novel proteins that are easy to digest.

✔ Avoid Poultry & Beef – Many Chows (including Zoey) are allergic to chicken, eggs, and beef.

✔ No Meat By-Products – Always look for real meat as the first ingredient!

🐾 What We Give Zoey: High-protein kibble with lamb or salmon—keeps her coat shiny and skin itch-free!

2. Limited Ingredients & No Fillers ❌🌾

✔ Grain-Free or Whole Grains – Some Chows thrive on grain-free diets, while others do well with brown rice or oatmeal.

✔ No Corn, Soy, or Wheat – These are common allergens and have little nutritional value.

✔ Avoid Artificial Colors & Preservatives – They can cause allergies and digestive upset.

3. Omega Fatty Acids for Skin & Coat Health 🐶✨

✔ Salmon oil, flaxseed, or coconut oil – Helps prevent dry skin, shedding, and irritation.

✔ Perfect for Chows since their dense double coat needs extra nourishment.

4. Probiotics & Fiber for Digestive Health 🦠

✔ Pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or beet pulp – Great for gut health and digestion.

✔ Added probiotics help with sensitive stomachs.

Benefits of Feeding Your Chow Chow High-Quality Kibble

✅ Allergy Prevention – Choosing the right kibble means less itching, no stomach issues, and overall better health.

✅ Shiny Coat & Healthy Skin – A proper diet improves fur texture, reduces shedding, and prevents dry skin.

✅ Sustainable & Easy to Store – Unlike fresh food, kibble is affordable, convenient, and has a longer shelf life.

✅ Perfect for Picky Eaters – Many Chow Chows can be stubborn with food, but high-protein kibble with real meat keeps them interested!

💡 Training Hack: Kibble as Treats!

Chow Chows are food-driven dogs (a.k.a walking food vacuums!), which makes training easier. Instead of expensive store-bought treats, try this:

🐾 Use kibble as a training reward!

✔ Helps with portion control (no extra calories!).

✔ More sustainable & cost-effective than buying separate treats.

✔ Keeps consistency in their diet, reducing allergy flare-ups.

🐶 Zoey’s Training Trick: We fill a treat pouch with her kibble—she thinks she’s getting a special treat, but it’s just her regular food!

Final Woof: What’s the Best Allergy-Friendly Kibble for Chow Chows?

If your Chow has food allergies, switching to a high-protein kibble with lamb or salmon can make a huge difference.

✅ Avoid poultry, beef, and fillers

✅ Look for real meat, omega fatty acids, and probiotics

✅ Use kibble as treats for sustainable training

Since switching Zoey’s diet, she’s had zero allergy flare-ups, better digestion, and a fluffier, healthier coat!

📢 Does your Chow have food allergies?

What kibble works best for them? Drop your recommendations in the comments! 🐾💛