How We Ranked These
Every food on this list was scored using KibbleIQ’s ingredient analysis rubric, which evaluates protein quality, filler content, preservative safety, and overall ingredient transparency on a 0–100 scale. For Chow Chows specifically we weighted three additional factors: moderate-protein moderate-fat caloric density matched to the breed’s lower-energy temperament and obesity-prone metabolic profile, clean preservative profiles (no BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin) given the elevated atopic dermatitis and autoimmune skin disease prevalence, and adequate iodine + selenium for thyroid support given the 10–15% hypothyroidism prevalence.
The 2001 Hillier ACVD review on canine atopic dermatitis placed Chow Chows among the breeds with elevated atopy prevalence. The 2008 Lund APR review on companion-animal obesity placed Chow Chows among the obesity-overrepresented breeds with elevated risk for diet-driven weight gain on calorie-dense kibbles. The 2018 Mehler Topics in Companion Animal Medicine review on canine pemphigus foliaceus identified Chow Chows among the predisposed breeds with elevated autoimmune skin disease risk. We prioritize formulas with limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic positioning and controlled caloric density, and downgrade calorie-dense performance kibbles that would drive unwanted weight gain in a sedentary 50–65 lb dog.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Wellness Complete Health — B (78/100)
Wellness Complete Health leads with deboned chicken + chicken meal + oatmeal + ground barley + peas with a moderate-protein grain-inclusive backbone. For a Chow Chow, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Wellness Complete Health Adult delivers a grain-inclusive moderate-protein backbone (deboned chicken + chicken meal + oatmeal + ground barley) with adequate caloric density for a moderate-activity Chow Chow without driving obesity. The natural mixed-tocopherol preservative system avoids the synthetic BHA / BHT / ethoxyquin layer that can aggravate the breed’s atopic dermatitis and autoimmune skin disease vulnerability. Consistent national retail distribution and mid-tier pricing make it the defensible everyday default for the breed. Read our full Wellness Complete Health review → · Shop on Amazon →
2. Hill's Science Diet — B (76/100)
Hill's Science Diet leads with vet-recommended balanced formula with extensive feeding-trial substantiation and clinical-research backing. For a Chow Chow, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility or Adult Light delivers feeding-trial-substantiated nutrition with the most-recommended veterinary positioning across general-practice clinics. For Chow Chow owners interfacing with veterinary care for the breed’s frequent dermatology, ophthalmology (entropion), and endocrinology (thyroid) consultations, aligning food choice with the vet’s default recommendation reduces friction at every appointment. The clinical-research backing supports adequate iodine + selenium levels for thyroid-vulnerable breeds. Read our full Hill's Science Diet review → · Shop on Amazon →
3. Acana — A (90/100)
Acana leads with Champion Petfoods sister brand to Orijen at a lower price point with named meat first and regional sourcing. For a Chow Chow, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Acana Singles (Free-Run Duck or Wild Mackerel) delivers single-novel-protein limited-ingredient formulation specifically suited for atopic and food-allergy-prone Chow Chows. Champion Petfoods sourcing at a tier below Orijen pricing with 60% animal ingredients and the Kentucky kitchen production give the breed’s elevated dermatologic vulnerability a meaningful clean-ingredient anchor. For Chow Chows on dermatologist-directed elimination-diet protocols, Acana Singles is among the cleanest commercial options. Read our full Acana review → · Shop on Amazon →
4. Wellness CORE — A (90/100)
Wellness CORE leads with deboned chicken + turkey + chicken meal lead with salmon oil, glucosamine, chondroitin, and probiotics built in. For a Chow Chow, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Wellness CORE Original or Reduced Fat delivers 34% protein from deboned chicken + turkey + chicken meal with built-in salmon oil and probiotics. For Chow Chow owners managing a confirmed-active dog (not the sedentary breed-typical profile), CORE Reduced Fat is the calorie-appropriate option that maintains animal-source protein density without driving weight gain. The natural preservative system and clean ingredient profile support the breed’s dermatologic vulnerability. Read our full Wellness CORE review → · Shop on Amazon →
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. — B (78/100)
Natural Balance L.I.D. leads with L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diet) line with single novel-protein options (duck + potato, salmon + sweet potato, bison + sweet potato) for allergy-prone dogs. For a Chow Chow, that structural foundation matches the breed’s specific nutritional needs at a defensible ingredient-quality tier. Natural Balance L.I.D. (Limited Ingredient Diet) single-novel-protein recipes (duck + potato, salmon + sweet potato, bison + sweet potato) are explicitly formulated for allergy-prone dogs. For Chow Chows with confirmed adverse food reactions (food-allergy-driven atopic flares), L.I.D. provides a cleaner ingredient panel than the standard maintenance kibble. The 6–8 ingredient panels make elimination-diet protocols substantially easier to design and monitor. Read our full Natural Balance L.I.D. review → · Shop on Amazon →
What to Look for in Food for Chow Chows
Controlled caloric density to manage the obesity-prone metabolic profile. The 2008 Lund APR review on companion-animal obesity placed Chow Chows among the obesity-overrepresented breeds. The breed’s naturally lower-energy temperament (30–60 minutes of daily exercise tolerance, often less in hot weather given the dense double coat) drives a structural caloric mismatch with kibble feeding-bag recommendations calibrated for medium-activity dogs. Weigh meals in grams rather than scooping and target body condition score 4–5 of 9. Excess body weight on a 50–65 lb frame accelerates the breed’s hip + elbow dysplasia exposure.
Clean preservative profiles for dermatologic support. The 2001 Hillier ACVD review placed Chow Chows among the atopic-dermatitis-prone breeds, and the 2018 Mehler review identified the breed among pemphigus foliaceus predisposed cohorts. Avoid synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate) which can aggravate atopic flares in genetically predisposed dogs. Look for natural mixed-tocopherol (vitamin E) preservation, rosemary extract, or ascorbyl palmitate. For confirmed-allergic Chow Chows, escalate to single-novel-protein limited-ingredient diets under dermatologist or veterinary nutritionist direction.
Adequate iodine + selenium for thyroid support. Chow Chow hypothyroidism prevalence sits at 10–15% lifetime per veterinary endocrinology consensus, with onset most common between 4 and 10 years. AAFCO 2024 nutrient profiles specify iodine at 1.0–11.0 mg/kg DM and selenium at 0.11–2.0 mg/kg DM for adult maintenance — most reputable commercial diets meet or exceed minimums. Diet does not cause or prevent autoimmune thyroiditis (the primary mechanism) but does support thyroid hormone synthesis in clinically healthy dogs. Annual T4 + TSH screening from age 4 forward is appropriate for the breed.
Entropion surveillance from puppyhood. Chow Chows carry roughly 30% lifetime entropion prevalence per OFA + ACVO screening data — among the highest of any AKC breed. The breed’s deep-set eyes and heavy facial wrinkling drive the structural risk. Affected dogs require surgical correction (typically blepharoplasty) to prevent corneal ulceration and chronic irritation. Diet does not cause or prevent entropion, but maintaining clean facial folds with appropriate omega-3-supportive ingredients supports overall ocular health. Reputable breeders screen and disclose entropion status before placement.
Bottom Line
The best Chow Chow food solves three problems at once: moderate-protein moderate-fat caloric density matched to the breed’s lower-energy temperament and obesity-prone metabolic profile, clean preservative profiles for the elevated atopic dermatitis and autoimmune skin disease vulnerability, and adequate iodine + selenium for the 10–15% hypothyroidism exposure. Wellness Complete Health is our top pick — moderate-calorie + natural preservatives + mid-tier pricing for an everyday default. Hill’s Science Diet aligns with the vet-channel default recommendation for the breed’s frequent specialty consultations. Acana Singles delivers premium-tier limited-ingredient formulation for atopic and food-allergy-prone Chow Chows. For confirmed-allergic dogs, escalate to Natural Balance L.I.D. under dermatologist or veterinary nutritionist direction. Pair any of these with annual T4 + TSH thyroid screening from age 4 forward, puppy entropion surveillance, and lifetime body-condition-score 4–5 discipline.
Related condition deep-dive: Best Dog Food for Hypothyroidism