Top 10 Best Dog Food for Pekingese

When it comes to Pekingese, they need a high-quality small-breed formula. Due to their small size, they have specific nutritional needs and burn through calories much faster than a larger dog. When looking for small-breed dog food for your Peke, keep the following needs in mind:

Caloric Needs

• Since Pekingese are small dogs, they need more calories per pound. They also burn through calories faster, so a nutrient-dense food that provides enough calories is ideal. Pekingese weigh 8 to 10 pounds as adults, so they need anywhere from 300 to 400 calories per day, depending on their activity level.
• The healthiest calories for your pet come from a biologically appropriate diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Avoid food that contains an excess of starchy fillers as these can cause your Peke to gain weight.

Nutritional Needs

You should also consider the role the ingredients play in your dog’s food. In general, all dogs require a diet that includes protein, fats, and fiber.

The preferred composition includes real meat as the first ingredient, wholesome fruits and vegetables, whole, healthy grains, and supplements. The best option is dog food with natural non-GMO ingredients and no vague listings (e.g., “meat meal”).

What You Should Avoid

If you see any of the following in the ingredient list, you should be wary of making a purchase:

• Soybean Meal
• Corn Gluten Meal
• Corn Syrup
• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy
• BHA
• BHT
• Meat By-Products
• Artificial color
• Carrageenan
• Unnamed Ingredients (for example, “meat meal”)
• Ethoxyquin

Although these ingredients are not toxic, some can produce allergies, digestive upset, and various health issues in dogs. With prolonged use, they can cause problems as severe as diabetes and cancer.

If your Pekingese suffers from food-related allergies or sensitivities, you should steer clear of these ingredients.

What You Should Look For

The following nutrients are necessary and play many vital roles for your pet. Although a healthy and balanced diet will provide these nutrients, additional supplements are still needed to ensure complete health.

They are especially important for seniors since their production slows down with age. It is also likely your dog might be deficient in one or two of these nutrients. At a minimum, you should ensure your pet’s food includes the first three to four ingredients.

The following recommended ingredients should provide balanced nutrition:

• Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids
• Probiotics
• Added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Glucosamine
• Taurine
• Chondroitin
• L-Carnitine

These nutrients play many roles and are essential for your dog’s health. They encourage the health of vital organs such as the heart and stomach. They maintain strong bones, promote fat metabolism, boost immunity, and keep your pet’s coat healthy. A puppy or senior Pekingese should eat a diet including these nutrients because they are essential for development and maintenance.

Health-Related Concerns and Needs

The Pekingese, like any other breed, is prone to certain health conditions as well. Some of these health issues are genetic, while others are preventable with a healthy diet and enough exercise. Certain nutrients can considerably reduce the chances of your pet becoming ill. They can also ensure that a sick pet does not suffer severely from the disease.

The health issues that Pekingese usually suffer from include:

Heart Problems

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Pekingese. Most heart diseases in dogs occur due to the weakening of a valve. The valve can become deformed, leading to blood leakage and strain on the heart’s muscles. This disease is often called Mitral Valve Disease and causes heart murmurs. The symptoms include:

• Collapsing
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Fainting
• Exercise intolerance
• Gagging
• Trouble breathing
• Reduced appetite

If your Pekingese is at risk for developing heart problems, feed them a diet rich in the following nutrients:

• Taurine
• L-carnitine
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is common in dogs with long backs and short legs, like your Pekingese. In this condition, the jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to put pressure on the spinal cord. It has the following symptoms:

• Unwillingness to jump
• Pain and weakness in rear legs (lameness)
• Paralysis
• Abnormal walking
• Hunched back or neck with tense muscles
• Crying and whining in pain
• Anxious behavior
• Reduced appetite and activity level

If your Pekingese is suffering from IVDD, it could either be genetic or due to obesity. In either case, a diet rich in the following nutrients can help you manage their symptoms:

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin
• L-carnitine

Eye Problems

The Pekingese breed is susceptible to eye problems such as glaucoma, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), and cataracts. To prevent these illnesses for your Pekingese and help him manage symptoms, include the following nutrients in his diet:

• DHA
• EPA
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Lutein
• Beta-Carotene

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Breeds with shortened noses like the Pekingese can suffer from breathing issues. It’s important to ensure your Pekingese maintains a healthy weight to prevent these issues from becoming worse. If your Pekingese is suffering from breathing issues due to their weight, consider feeding them a diet with the following nutrients:

• L-carnitine
• Omega Fatty Acids

Bone and Joint Issues

Like many small-breed dogs, your Pekingese is susceptible to developing musculoskeletal issues such as Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia. These issues are genetic and show up during the puppy years.

To prevent your puppy from developing these issues, you should ensure they get enough exercise and feed a diet rich in the following nutrients:

• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Chondroitin
• Glucosamine
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin E