Feeding your Shar Pei from puppyhood is a fundamental aspect to ensure its health, development, and well-being throughout its entire life. Providing a balanced diet adapted to each stage will allow your Shar Pei to grow strong, with a healthy immune system, good skin condition, and a stable temperament.
At Eki Zimurrak Shar Pei, from the very beginning we have learned that nutrition is just as important as genetics, temperament, or veterinary care. Over the years, we have tried different feeding systems and have always sought the most suitable option to ensure that each dog enjoys a long and healthy life.
What to Feed a Shar Pei Puppy
During the first four weeks, the puppy should be fed exclusively with mother’s milk, with the colostrum of the first days being a vital source of natural defenses.
When the mother cannot fully feed the litter, we use special puppy milk replacers, always under veterinary guidance.
From the fourth week onwards, we begin gradual weaning, introducing high-quality starter kibble. This can be soaked to form a porridge that helps ease the transition from liquid to solid food. The goal is for the change to take place naturally, without stress, and avoiding digestive problems.
👉 At this stage, it is very important that the kibble does not contain an excess of protein, since the Shar Pei is a breed with special kidney sensitivity. An adequate protein level helps protect what we consider its “Achilles’ heel”: the kidney.
Feeding During the Growth Stage
Desde las 8 semanas hasta aproximadamente el año de edad, el Shar Pei necesita un pienso puppy formulado para favorecer el desarrollo de su estructura ósea, articulaciones y masa muscular.
Es importante no excederse con piensos demasiado energéticos, ya que podrían afectar negativamente al desarrollo articular.
In addition, just as in the puppy stage, we must choose kibble with a moderate protein content, which promotes balanced growth without overloading the kidney.
Feeding During the Growth Stage
From the first year of life, the Shar Pei enters its adult stage. At this time, we adapt the diet to its activity level, weight, and body condition. It is common to use high-quality kibble formulated for medium-sized breeds, providing quality proteins, healthy fats, and support for skin and coat.
👉 At this stage, we continue to rely on kibble with high-quality but not excessive protein, since a diet too rich in protein can place extra strain on the kidney.
Alimentación en la etapa senior
From the age of 8–9 years, the Shar Pei enters a stage where nutritional needs change. At Eki Zimurrak, we recommend senior kibble designed to maintain muscle mass, support the joints, and aid digestion.
At this stage, it becomes even more important to provide food with moderate protein, enough to maintain vitality but without straining the kidney, which is one of the breed’s most sensitive organs.
In some cases, if the dog has dental or chewing problems, the kibble can be moistened to make it easier to eat. In addition, regular veterinary check-ups allow the diet to be adjusted according to the dog’s health.
Making the Switch: How to Change Your Dog’s Food Safely
Every dietary transition should be done gradually, mixing the new food with the old one for several days. This way, we avoid diarrhea, vomiting, and digestive problems.
General Advice on Shar Pei Nutrition
- Never offer food from the table, or your Shar Pei will never leave your side.
- Choose high-quality kibble, adapted to each life stage.
- Always keep an eye on your dog’s body weight to prevent excess weight, which can put strain on the joints.
- Make sure your Shar Pei always has access to fresh, clean water.
- Consulta siempre con tu veterinario antes de hacer cambios importantes en su dieta
✨ In summary, your Shar Pei’s diet will make the difference in its health, temperament, and quality of life. At Eki Zimurrak, we believe that good nutrition, combined with socialization and veterinary care, is the best guarantee to enjoy a balanced, healthy, and happy companion for many years.
