Best Dog Food For Your Japanese Chin

By Holly Ramsey
(Chin enthusiast and breeder since 1996) 

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There is an age-old debate about what food is best for the exotic Japanese Chin. Many argue that feeding a raw diet is the absolute best, while others will claim dry kibble or even canned food is the way to go with your Japanese Chin.

Throughout the years, I have tried so many different dog food brands and raw diets. From High protein to grain-free, the choices can be absolutely mindboggling. I wish I could say there is one specific dog food that is the go-to food for every dog, but there is not. Each dog has specific dietary needs and sometimes it can be difficult to determine which diet is best for your Japanese Chin.

Talk to a handful of Japanese Chin owners and you will get different answers regarding what they feed their Chin. Show breeders and pet owners alike study and learn about the nutritional needs of these cat-like Toy dogs. I have taken the time to listen to other Chin owners and get their take on what is the best food and have compiled them here.

Please do your own research and if you have a Chin with special dietary needs, consult your veterinarian and a canine nutritionist to determine the best diet for your special little Chin.

Kibble/Commercial Dog Food

 Diamond Premium Adult Dog Food

One of my go-to foods for any of my breeds is Diamond Premium. I have been feeding this food since the early 1990s and have not had any regrets. Containing the necessary nutrients that your Japanese Chin needs, Diamond Premium helps keep your little Chin in optimal health.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 26% minimum
Crude Fat: 18% minimum
Crude Fiber: 3% maximum
Moisture: 10% maximum

Diamond Hi-Energy Adult Dog Food

I have recently switched my Japanese Chin that I am currently showing, or plan on showing, to the Diamond Hi-Energy Formula. While the protein is slightly lower than Diamond Premium, the fat content is higher and that helps with healthier skin and coat.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 24% minimum
Crude Fat: 20% minimum
Crude Fiber: 5% maximum
Moisture: 10% maximum

Health Extension Little Bites Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe

While I have not used Health Extension dog food, there are other breeders and Japanese Chin owners who love using it and feel it is the best choice for their Chin. Made with no added sugar or artificial flavors, it has healthy ingredients including organic deboned chicken, ground brown rice, and chicken fat.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 24% minimum
Crude Fat: 18% minimum
Crude Fiber: 4% minimum
Moisture: 10% minimum

Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken Brown Rice and Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

Made specifically for toy breeds, Wellness Toy Breed Complete Health is a good choice for your Japanese Chin. The kibble is smaller for little mouths and has premium proteins and wholesome grains. It also helps support a stronger immune system and is made in the United States.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 30% minimum
Crude Fat: 17% minimum
Crude Fiber: 3.5% maximum
Moisture: 10% maximum

Raw Diet Options

Not being a huge fan of the raw diet fad, I can see the benefits of incorporating some aspects of raw feeding into your Japanese Chin’s diet. There are many people who feed strictly raw and that is totally their prerogative. I do not have the time to plan out a raw diet and I am not overly fond of the commercially made raw food options on the market.

There are a few raw food options that I have used to supplement a picky eater’s diet or use as a treat. I have also used these to jump-start a puppy that refuses to eat solid food.

Stella and Chewy's Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

These freeze-dried patties are made with cage-free chicken and organic fruits and veggies. You can pull a patty out of the container and feed as-is or you can rehydrate by adding water. I rehydrate a patty and smash it up for a picky puppy or a senior Chin. They love the taste and the patties are easy to store.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 48% minimum
Crude Fat: 28% minimum
Crude Fiber: 5% maximum
Moisture: 5% maximum

Halo Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Bites Dog Food

Once known as TruDog, Halo has created a freeze-dried beef raw diet alternative that contains natural ingredients. This high-protein food is made with premium animal proteins, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein: 41% minimum
Crude Fat: 28% minimum
Crude Fiber: 4% maximum
Moisture: 5% maximum

DIY Raw Food Recipes

You can always make your own raw dog food, however, please make sure you do your research to ensure your Japanese Chin is getting the proper nutrients for a balanced diet. Check out Dogs Naturally Magazine for some excellent recipes to make your own raw dog food. 

Supplements

NuVet Plus Vitamins (Wafers)

Keeping your Japanese Chin’s immune system strong is crucial. Household toxins, fertilizers, and pesticides leave your Chin’s immune system susceptible. NuVet Labs has created a supplement that boosts immune support and is made in a human-grade facility.

Ingredients: Blue Green Algae, Brewer’s Yeast, Cat’s Claw, Evening Primrose Oil, Shark Cartilage, Oyster Shell, Alpha Amylase, Beta Carotene, Pine Bark, Papain, L Methionine, Alfalfa, Chicken Liver, Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Manganese, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Amino Acids (Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Cystine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Valine, Arginine, Histidine, Alanine, Aspartic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycine).

NuVet Plus Vitamins (Powder)

Most Japanese Chin puppies (and some very picky adults) do not like the NuVet wafers, but the benefits of this supplement should not be ignored because your Chin does not like it. Instead, I mix the NuVet Plus powder with some organic plain Greek yogurt for a healthy treat. 

The powder variety has the same ingredients as the wafers. 

Final Thoughts

When choosing the right food for your Japanese Chin, you should take your time and do plenty of research. Also, speak with your Chin's breeder and find out what food or foods they recommend. You will want to keep your Chin puppy on the food they are used to but as they grow and mature, you will find their dietary needs do change. 

My puppies are always started on Fromm Puppy Gold, and then at one year of age, they are transitioned to either Diamond Premium or Diamond Hi-Energy. But, your Chin's breeder may have their puppies on a different food and they may recommend a different diet once your Chin moves out of puppyhood.