What's the Best Dog Food for Chinese Crested Dogs?

Chinese Crested require specialized care and support to prevent health issues. This breed is predisposed to bone, joint, hip, dental, and vision problems. The hairless variety is also susceptible to skin conditions. Thankfully, these pups can live long lives with the right care.

AKC Classification: Toy
Exercise Required: 30 minutes/day

Ideal Weight
Healthy Adult Weight: 8-12 lbs

Breed Summary

Despite the name, this toy breed is from unknown and contested origins. Their name is derived from their history as ratting dogs on Chinese trading ships. Chinese Crested can live to be as many as 15 years old. Chinese Crested are either the hairless or coated “powderpuff”. The coated Chinese Crested’s hair is soft and silky. Both varieties are considered hypoallergenic since they shed very little. While friendly with children, they should be monitored around small children since they are fragile and susceptible to bone breaks and fractures. They are also very popular with the elderly and disabled due to their mostly sedentary lifestyle as lap dogs. In addition, Chinese Crested are relatively easy to train because of their high desire to please their masters. This playful, loving, and sensitive little pooch just wants to be around its family and will be your beloved companion.

Physical Traits
Hairless: Smooth, soft skin with small tufts of hair
With hair: Silky coat of long hair

Personality Traits
Playful, loving, alert

Health Considerations for the Chinese Crested Dog

While relatively healthy for a toy breed, and with an average lifespan of 13-15 years, there are still some notable health considerations owners should be aware of. Weighing roughly 5-12 lbs, Chinese Crested have fine, delicate bones that are susceptible to fracture. Additionally, the hairless variations do require skin care to help minimize risk of skin irritations, sunburns, and sensitivities or allergies. Furthermore, Chinese Crested are known to develop eye, dental, and joint issues. Thankfully, a balanced, nutritious diet can help minimize the risk of these conditions. Due to their relatively low energy and activity levels, it is important to monitor the caloric intake and caloric density of your Chinese Crested’s diet.

Eye Problems

Chinese Crested are prone to developing many common eye problems including Dry Eyes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, Lens Luxation and Glaucoma. Certain vitamins in food can help delay or mitigate these issues.

Bone & Joint Issues

Because of their delicate and slender stature, Chinese Crested are somewhat susceptible to Bone Breaks and Fractures. In addition, joint disorders like Luxating Patella, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease and Hip or Elbow Dysplasia are common, making the following nutrients ideal for their diet:

Dental Issues

Due to their small mouth structure, it is not uncommon for the Chinese Crested to experience dental issues such Enamel Loss, Periodontal Disease and Broken Teeth. We actually recommend dental chews for these pups. Learn more about how to take care of your dog's teeth.

Skin Conditions

The hairless variety of the Chinese Crested is susceptible to skin conditions such as Sunburn, Blackheads, Skin Cancer, Wool Allergy and Eczema. We like foods and supplements that provide support for skin even before issues arise.

Foods We Recommend: Chinese Crested Puppies

How long do Chinese Crested dogs need puppy food?
12 months old

Chinese Crested grow rapidly during the puppy stage. They will need a large caloric intake as they grow into their adult size. In addition, getting a solid foundation of nutritional support as puppies can help minimize the risk of serious health issues later in life. We recommend:

Merrick
Lil' Plates Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Puppy Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Royal Canin®
Lifestyle Health Nutrition Indoor Life Small Puppy Food

This diet is available at:

Purina®
Pro Plan Puppy Toy Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

CANIDAE
Petite Salmon Formula Small Breed Puppy Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Foods We Recommend: Chinese Crested Adults

When do Chinese Crested dogs become adults?
12 months old

Once they have reached adulthood, the caloric intake of the Chinese Crested should be watched carefully to maintain a healthy weight. Generally considered to have a moderately low activity level, it is crucial for Chinese Crested to get enough exercise and eat a balanced diet like the formulas below:

Blue Buffalo®
Chicken & Brown Rice Toy Breed Adult Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Royal Canin®
Size Health Nutrition X-Small Mature Adult Dog Food

This diet is available at:

Purina®
Pro Plan Adult Toy Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

This diet is available at:

The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, Personalized Ingredient Meal Plan

+ Custom, human-grade diet
+ More expensive than kibble

This diet is available at:

The Farmer's Dog | Save 20%

Foods We Recommend: Chinese Crested Seniors

When do Chinese Crested dogs become seniors?
7-10 years old

Chinese Crested require specialized nutritional support as they age in order to prevent worsening bone, joint ,and vision problems. As they become even more sedentary in their senior years, monitoring their caloric intake will also be important to prevent obesity. Consider these brands: