What should I feed my Chinese Crested?

Caring for a Chinese Crested, whether the Hairless or the Powderpuff variety, often centers around managing their famously sensitive skin and ensuring optimal coat health. ^[4]^[8] Because of these unique traits, their diet becomes a subject of keen interest for owners looking to keep them comfortable and healthy. ^[10] While general canine nutritional guidelines apply, the specific structure of this breed means ingredient quality and sensitivity must be prioritized over simply meeting minimum requirements. ^[6]

# Skin Needs

The most distinguishing feature of the Hairless Chinese Crested is, naturally, its lack of a substantial coat, leaving the skin exposed to environmental factors, which can easily lead to dryness, irritation, or acne-like issues. ^[8]^[10] The Powderpuff, while coated, can also suffer from skin sensitivities, suggesting that good nutrition supports the entire integumentary system for both types. ^[7]^[10] Many owners believe that diet is closely linked to these dermatological challenges, with poor food quality potentially exacerbating problems. ^[10] High-quality ingredients are key to supporting skin barrier function. ^[4]

For those managing a Hairless CC, the skin requires specific attention, sometimes needing topical care, but internal support through diet is just as crucial. ^[10] Owners often seek foods rich in beneficial fats and proteins that can aid in skin health from the inside out. ^[1]

# Protein Focus

Regardless of coat type, the Chinese Crested benefits from a diet centered around high-quality animal protein. ^[1]^[2] Protein supplies the essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and overall body function, which is especially important for a small, active breed. ^[2] Sources that advocate for raw feeding often suggest that a high percentage of the diet should come from raw, unprocessed meats, bones, and organs to mimic what a dog would naturally consume. ^[1]

When looking at commercial foods, the first ingredient should ideally be a named meat source, such as deboned chicken, beef, or fish, rather than a generic "meat meal" or high levels of plant-based proteins. ^[4] This ensures the dog receives bioavailable nutrients. ^[1] In general, a canine diet should contain between 18% and 25% crude protein, though specific needs can vary based on the dog's age and activity level. ^[2] For a highly active Crested, leaning toward the higher end of that spectrum might be beneficial, provided the dog tolerates the increased richness well.

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# Fat Content

Dietary fats are often the most debated component when feeding sensitive breeds, yet they are vital for energy, nutrient absorption, and maintaining supple skin and a healthy coat. ^[4] The Chinese Crested requires quality fat sources, such as those rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. ^[2] These essential fatty acids are frequently cited as being critical for reducing inflammation, which is a common underlying factor in many skin conditions. ^[10]

If you are feeding a kibble-based diet, check the guaranteed analysis for crude fat content, which typically should fall in the range of 10% to 18% for adult maintenance. ^[2] However, if your dog is experiencing significant skin dryness or irritation, you might consider formulas that have higher levels of Omega-3s sourced from fish oil, or supplement directly. ^[4] For Hairless dogs in cooler climates, ensuring adequate healthy fat intake is also important for providing a baseline level of insulation and maintaining body temperature. ^[8]

# Commercial Versus Raw

Owners often find themselves weighing the convenience of high-quality commercial dog food against the perceived biological appropriateness of a raw diet. ^[1]^[9]

# Kibble Alternatives

Many reputable commercial foods exist that cater to sensitive systems. Look closely at the ingredient lists to avoid common allergens or fillers that might trigger digestive upset or skin reactions in your Crested. ^[4] Ingredients such as wheat, corn, soy, and artificial colors are often flagged as potential culprits for sensitivities in dogs, including this breed. ^[6] Choosing grain-free options might be suitable for some, but always look for quality carbohydrate sources like sweet potatoes or peas if grains are avoided, as carbohydrates still play a role in providing energy. ^[2]

It is important to compare premium kibbles with fresh or gently cooked options. Some companies offer gently cooked or freeze-dried foods that use human-grade ingredients, offering a middle ground between standard kibble and a fully raw preparation. ^[4]

# Raw Feeding Approach

For those embracing a raw feeding approach—whether prey model or commercially prepared raw diets—the goal is to provide minimally processed nutrition. ^[1] Proponents suggest that raw feeding, rich in enzymes and whole nutrients, directly combats the inflammatory responses that lead to skin issues in many Chinese Cresteds. ^[1] A typical raw ratio might look like 80% muscle meat, 10% edible bone, and 10% organs, carefully balanced to meet all nutritional needs. ^[1]

A practical step when transitioning any dog, especially a sensitive breed, is to introduce new foods slowly over seven to ten days, monitoring stools and skin condition throughout the process. If you switch to raw, be mindful of potential pathogen risks and maintain meticulous hygiene in food preparation areas, which is a responsibility often cited by raw feeders. ^[1]

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# Portion Control

Determining the precise amount to feed is often more complex than selecting the right ingredients, as standard guidelines are just starting points. ^[9] The ideal feeding amount must be calibrated to the individual dog's metabolism, activity level, and current body condition. ^[6]

For example, a very sedentary, 10-pound Hairless Crested will require significantly fewer calories than a highly active 14-pound Powderpuff used for agility training. ^[8] A useful, though rough, way to begin estimation is by using Resting Energy Requirements (RER). For a small dog, RER is often calculated as $70 \times (\text{body weight in kg})^{0.75}$ . ^[2] You then multiply that RER by a multiplier based on lifestyle. A neutered, less active adult might need $1.6 \times \text{RER}$ , whereas a very active dog might need $3.0 \times \text{RER}$ . ^[2] Always remember that these calculations provide a starting point; you must physically assess your dog—feeling the ribs without seeing them means you are likely in the right ballpark. If you find your dog consistently loses weight on the recommended serving size, you need to incrementally increase the daily intake, perhaps by 5% per week until stable weight is achieved. ^[9]

# Feeding Schedule

The frequency of meals also impacts digestion and energy levels. While some owners feed free-choice, which is generally discouraged for small breeds prone to becoming overweight, feeding one large meal a day can sometimes stress a sensitive digestive system. ^[6]

Most veterinarians and experienced handlers recommend splitting the total daily ration into two equal meals—one in the morning and one in the evening. ^[6] This approach keeps the dog’s metabolism steady and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be a concern in very small breeds, especially puppies. ^[2] For puppies, more frequent, smaller meals—perhaps three or four times a day—are necessary until they reach about six months of age. ^[2]

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# Hydration Matters

Adequate water intake is frequently overlooked but is fundamental, especially for breeds prone to skin issues. ^[10] Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and supports all internal organ functions that process food and eliminate waste. ^[4] Always ensure your Chinese Crested has access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. For dogs eating a raw or fresh food diet, which naturally contains higher moisture content, overall water intake from their bowl might appear lower, but they are still receiving substantial hydration through their food. ^[1] Conversely, dogs on a dry kibble diet must be monitored to ensure they are drinking enough to compensate for the lack of moisture in their primary food source. ^[2]

# Transitioning Foods

Because the Chinese Crested has a reputation for having a sensitive stomach alongside its skin issues, transitioning to any new food—whether switching from puppy to adult formula, or changing brands—must be executed with extreme care. ^[6] Rushing this process can immediately result in loose stools, vomiting, or a flare-up of skin irritation. ^[4]

Use a very gradual approach. For a period of 7 to 10 days, start by mixing 75% of the old food with 25% of the new food. Over the next several days, slowly shift this ratio, increasing the new food by about 25% every two to three days. ^[6] If you notice any adverse reactions at any stage, revert to the previous successful ratio for a few days before attempting the transition again more slowly. This patience prevents unnecessary stress on the dog’s system. ^[4]