Every Chinese Crested owner wants their furry friend to thrive, and a major part of that is understanding how much to feed them. Unlike other dog breeds, they have unique dietary requirements that need special attention.
In this feeding guide, we explore the important details of feeding your Chinese Crested, making sure they get the exact amount of food they need for good health.
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Chinese Crested
Feeding a Chinese Crested is about more than just choosing the right food; it’s also crucial to understand the correct quantity based on several factors. This ensures your pet gets all the nutrients needed for their well-being.
Here are the main factors to consider when figuring out how much to feed your Chinese Crested:
- Age: The age of your Chinese Crested significantly influences their dietary requirements. Puppies need calorie-rich and protein-packed food to support their rapid growth. As they grow into adults, their need for calories often decreases.
- Activity Level: Chinese Cresteds are known for their energy and playfulness, but activity levels vary. Younger dogs are usually more active and might need more food to keep up their energy. In contrast, older or less active dogs may require fewer calories to avoid putting on extra weight.
- Weight: Keeping an eye on your Chinese Crested’s weight is vital. If your dog appears underweight, increasing their calorie intake might be necessary. On the flip side, if your pet is becoming overweight, reducing their food portions could be needed to maintain a healthy weight.
- Health Status: Certain health conditions can affect your dog’s dietary needs. For example, a Chinese Crested with digestive issues may need a specially formulated diet for sensitive stomachs. Always consult your veterinarian for dietary advice if your dog has specific health issues.
- Size and Build: Although Chinese Cresteds are typically small, there’s a range in size and build, especially between the Hairless and Powderpuff varieties. Make sure you’re feeding an amount that’s right for your individual dog’s size and body type.
Understanding the unique needs of your Chinese Crested is key to their overall health and happiness.
Regular veterinary check-ups and close observation of your dog’s condition will help you make the best feeding decisions.
How Much to Feed Your Chinese Crested
Several factors affect how much to feed a Chinese Crested. This includes the dog’s age, activity level, health, and food-related behavior problems. However, in general, age is often the biggest factor.
In the following sections, we provide guidelines tailored to the different life stages of a Chinese Crested. Use these recommendations as a starting point to develop a suitable dietary plan for your dog.
Chinese Crested Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
Chinese Crested puppies should stay with their mothers until they are about eight weeks old. During this time, they receive colostrum from the mother’s milk, which is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients for growth.
Once your puppy reaches two months old, you can begin introducing solid foods. This is typically when their teeth are developed enough to handle solid food.
Always monitor your puppy during their initial solid food meals to prevent choking. After weaning, your puppy can be fully transitioned to solid puppy foods.
Here’s the recommended daily food intake for a Chinese Crested puppy:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 12 months | ½ – 1 | 264 – 499 |
While this chart is a useful reference, it’s important to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. Remember, each puppy has unique nutritional needs and requirements.”
Adult Chinese Crested Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)
The dietary needs of a fully grown Chinese Crested differ significantly from those of a puppy. When selecting food for your adult dog, it’s important to consider their unique metabolism.
Failure to do so can lead to unwanted weight loss or gain, or nutritional deficiencies, potentially leading to serious health issues.
Use the table below as a guide for the appropriate food quantity for an adult Chinese Crested:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 7 years | 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ | 533 – 722 |
Some owners suggest feeding adult Chinese Cresteds exclusively meat-based diets. While meat is a great source of essential amino acids, a meat-only diet might not provide a balanced nutrition.
Dogs, like humans, also need vitamins and minerals that are not found in meat alone. For example, Vitamin K, primarily found in green leafy vegetables, is vital for blood clotting and wound healing in dogs.
For optimal health, choose a well-balanced commercial kibble or a homemade meal plan approved by your vet.
Senior Chinese Crested Feeding Chart (8 years and above)
As your Chinese Crested enters its senior years, slight adjustments in their diet can significantly support their health. Generally, you should reduce the food intake of your adult dog to match the needs of a senior dog.
This adjustment is necessary because older dogs are less active and have slower metabolisms, which can lead to weight gain.
Here’s a guide for feeding a senior Chinese Crested:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 8 years and above | 1 – 1 ½ | 426 – 578 |
Proper feeding is crucial to maintain your senior dog’s health and potentially extend their lifespan.
However, if you notice any feeding-related issues with your senior Chinese Crested, consult your veterinarian immediately.
How Often Should You Feed Your Chinese Crested?
The feeding schedule for your Chinese Crested plays a significant role in supporting their overall health. Here’s a breakdown of how often you should feed your dog at various stages of their life.
| Age | Feeding frequency |
| 2 – 3 months | Three to four times a day |
| 3 – 12 months | Two to three times a day |
| 1 – 7 years | Two times a day |
| 8 years and above | Once or twice a day |
This chart should serve as a basic guide, particularly for new owners. Keep in mind that the ideal feeding frequency might vary based on each dog’s individual needs.
Different owners often adopt different feeding routines. Some opt for twice-daily meals, while others prefer once-a-day feeding.
There’s also ‘free feeding’, where the dog has constant access to food. This might be okay for puppies but is not advisable for adults and seniors due to risks like overeating.
How to Transition Your Chinese Crested to a New Food
As your Chinese Crested grows, its nutritional needs and taste preferences will evolve. It’s important for you, as a pet owner, to understand how to introduce new foods effectively to meet these changing requirements.
While your dog might be excited about new food, its digestive system may require time to adapt to a different diet.
To ensure a smooth transition to new food for your Chinese Crested, it’s advisable to implement a gradual change over a period of 7 to 10 days. This gradual approach helps to minimize the risk of digestive issues.
Here’s a suggested schedule for transitioning your Chinese Crested from its old food to the new diet:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 – 10 | 0% | 100% |
If during this transition, your Chinese Crested shows signs of digestive upset or seems reluctant to eat the new food, consider extending the transition period by a few more days.
Each dog is unique and some may need more time to adjust than others.
Additionally, you can seek advice from your vet, particularly if the digestive discomfort persists or your dog completely stops eating.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight Chinese Crested
While obesity is not commonly seen in the Chinese Crested breed, it’s still a potential health risk. Overweight Chinese Cresteds may experience issues with their digestion, breathing, and joints, which can shorten their lifespan.
To check if your dog is overweight, you can perform the rib test. This quick method helps you determine whether your dog is at a healthy weight.
If you find that your Chinese Crested is carrying extra pounds, here are some strategies to help manage its weight:
- Stick to a feeding schedule: One of the main contributors to canine obesity is free-feeding. To prevent this, set a strict feeding schedule, offering food only at specific meal times.
- Reduce food Intake: If your dog is gaining weight, try decreasing its food portions by about 25%. This small change can lead to significant improvements over time.
- Opt for healthy treats: Limit treats and opt for healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables. These can satisfy your dog’s craving without adding unnecessary calories.
- Increase physical activity: In addition to adjusting your dog’s diet, increasing their physical activity is essential in combating obesity. Incorporating an additional walk or playtime can help burn excess calories and maintain your dog’s fitness.
By following these tips and keeping a close eye on your Chinese Crested’s diet and exercise regimen, you can help ensure they stay healthy and maintain an ideal weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Chinese Crested Enough?
One way to ensure that you’re providing the right amount of food for your Chinese Crested is by regularly monitoring its weight.
A Chinese Crested that maintains a consistent weight within the breed’s standard range is likely being fed appropriately.
Another reliable method is to assess your dog’s body condition score (BCS). A healthy Chinese Crested should have a visible waist when viewed from above and a slight tuck in the abdominal area when viewed from the side.
Why Is My Chinese Crested Not Eating?
Your Chinese Crested might not be eating for a few reasons. Maybe they’re eating stuff they shouldn’t, having too much food or treats, or picking up and eating things from outside. Any of these can make them not want their regular meals.
While it might be concerning to watch your dog refuse food, it is not a good idea to try to insist on eating by offering it with table food. Feeding a variety of meals can disrupt its diet. During this time, it is best to observe your dog first.
Can I Feed My Chinese Crested With Human Food?
While some human foods can be safe in moderation, many can be harmful or even toxic to your Chinese Crested. Foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic should be strictly avoided.
If you’re considering adding human food to your dog’s diet, always consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist first.
Do Chinese Crested Dogs Eat a Lot?
Categorized as small dogs, the Chinese Crested has a small stomach. Given this, we usually assume that this dog is not a big eater.
However, its smaller body size comes with a faster metabolism. That means the Chinese Crested can eat a lot more because they often require more calories per pound.
Can Chinese Crested Dogs Eat Bones?
No. As with other dogs, the Chinese Crested cannot eat bones. Take note that bones cannot be digested, which means they can cause constipation, airway blockage, and internal injuries.
Moreover, thin bones, such as fish bones, and tubular bones, such as chicken bones, are highly dangerous. Those have sharp shards that can pierce the esophagus or stab the stomach of your dog.
However, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dogs may chew on bones. In fact, it is deemed beneficial for dogs to some degree.
If you have any specific questions or concerns about how much you should feed your Chinese Crested, please feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
