As a pet owner, you probably want to share your human foods with your Chow Chow. But Chow Chows have different metabolic systems than ours, and many of the foods we eat can affect their health and development.
Therefore, it’s important to know which fruits, vegetables and other foods are safe for us to feed our Chow Chows. Below are the most common fruits, vegetables & snacks Chow Chows can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Chow Chows can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Chow Chow can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Chow Chow can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Chow Chows can eat apples.
Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Chow Chow. They’re low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Chow Chows.
To avoid any potential risk of choking, remove the seeds and core first. And always avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling- these contain added sugar and harmful food additives.
Avocado
No, avocados are not safe for your Chow Chow to consume. Avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin, so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Chow Chow.
Anyway, avocado oil is safe in small amounts.
Bananas
Yes, Chow Chows can eat bananas.
Bananas are a low-calorie snack for Chow Chows, and they are high in many vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamins B6 and C, biotin, fiber and copper. Bananas also have some cholesterol and sodium, but not enough to cause any major health issues.
The main issue with feeding Chow Chows bananas is that they contain a high sugar content. This can make them unhealthy if given too often or in large amounts. If you give your Chow Chow a banana as an occasional treat, there are no health risks associated with it. If you feed your Chow Chow processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings regularly, then these may contain added toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your Chow Chow’s health.
Blackberry
Yes, Chow Chows can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, high in vitamins and minerals, and full of antioxidants. They’re also low on the glycemic index—meaning they won’t spike your Chow Chow’s blood sugar like other fruits might.
Blackberries are available fresh or frozen in the grocery store, at farmers’ markets, and even at your local farmer’s market if you have one. If you pick them yourself, make sure that there are no pesticides on them before feeding them to your Chow Chow.
When buying frozen or fresh blackberries for your Chow Chow, avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam or jelly; they may contain harmful additives or preservatives. The same goes for blackberry-flavored ice cream—only give your Chow Chow the real deal.
Two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight is a safe amount for most Chow Chows to consume daily.
Blueberry
Can Chow Chows eat blueberries?
Yes! In fact, they’re a great treat for your pup—and they’re actually super good for them.
Blueberries are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help keep your Chow Chow’s body strong and healthy. They’re also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed—it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins or pies, because they may contain harmful chemicals called xylitol.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Chow Chows can eat cantaloupe.
This fruit is actually quite healthy for your Chow Chow. Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in other nutrients, such as fiber and moisture. It’s also a good source of vitamin A and potassium.
However, be careful with the amount you give your Chow Chow. Because it contains so much sugar, it is best to give your Chow Chow only a small piece at a time—especially if they have diabetes or other conditions that require them to watch their blood sugar levels closely. Remove the rinds and seeds before feeding the fruit to your pet; these parts are choking hazards for Chow Chows.
Cherry
Can Chow Chows eat cherries? No, they can’t.
Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, cherries contain a compound called cyanide that is toxic to Chow Chows. This toxin destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Chow Chow and can cause them to die quickly. Symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, trouble breathing, and coma.
Contact your vet if you suspect your Chow Chow has eaten any cherry-based products.
Grapes
Grapes are very toxic to Chow Chows. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Chow Chow. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you suspect your Chow Chow ate grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
Yes, Chow Chows can eat mango. Mangoes contain four different vitamins: A, B6, C and E that are beneficial to your Chow Chow’s health. They also have potassium, fiber and antioxidants that help with digestion and overall health.
However, remove the skin and pits to prevent choking in your Chow Chow. Avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, mango ice cream as they may contain harmful preservatives or additives.
The amount depends on the size of your Chow Chow, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week is safe for most Chow Chows.
Oranges
Yes, Chow Chows can eat oranges. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture. They also contain citric acid, which helps break down food in your Chow Chow’s stomach.
Oranges have a lot of natural sugars that provide energy to your Chow Chow, so don’t give them over 2-3 sections at a time if you’re giving them as a treat. You should also remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before feeding them to your Chow Chow.
Peaches
The answer is yes! Chow Chows can eat peaches.
Peaches are sweet and juicy fruit that provides your Chow Chow with vitamin A and fiber. They are also low in calories and fat, which is great for Chow Chows who need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
However, you should only feed your Chow Chow small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches, since they are high in sugar. You should remove the pit before serving it to your Chow Chow as it contains cyanide, which can be harmful to pets.
You should also avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie because they may contain harmful ingredients like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and added sugars.
Pears
Yes, Chow Chows can eat pears.
Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They’re also low in acidity and sugar content, making them a good choice for your pup’s digestive system. In fact, eating pears can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly! Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.
Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that aren’t good for your Chow Chow. One small slice is ok for most Chow Chows as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, your Chow Chow can eat pineapple.
Pineapple is a tasty snack for Chow Chows. It contains vitamins and minerals, plus bromelain, which helps with digestion. The only part of the pineapple that’s safe for your Chow Chow to eat is the soft inner fruit. Avoid the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core. To make sure your Chow Chow gets all the nutrients from this tasty treat, avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake—they contain added harmful chemicals that could be harmful to your pet’s health. 2/3 small bites of raw pineapple are enough for one serving.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Chow Chows.
Pumpkin helps with your Chow Chow’s skin and coat. It contains vitamin A which will help keep your Chow Chow’s skin and coat shiny, soft and healthy. Also great for digestion and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Chow Chow.
Never feed your Chow Chow pumpkin pie mix. Canned pumpkin is ok for your Chow Chow but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, so you can give it to your pet as a treat or supplement its diet.
The amount varies with your Chow Chow’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Chow Chows can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a delicious treat for humans and Chow Chows alike. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your pup healthy. Fresh or frozen strawberries have the same benefits, so go ahead and give them to your Chow Chow as a treat! Just be sure to cut the strawberries into small pieces before serving them to your Chow Chow. And if you do give your Chow Chow a processed strawberry (such as a strawberry-flavored Chow Chow treat), make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugar or artificial ingredients.
Watermelon
Yes, Chow Chows can eat watermelon. Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals, and lycopene–an antioxidant that can help prevent cancer in humans.
The flesh of the watermelon is the only part that is safe and nutritious for your Chow Chow. Cut it into small chunks and remove any seeds, rinds, and skin. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight is a good amount for your Chow Chow to eat.
List of vegetable Chow Chows can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Chow Chow can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Chow Chow can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Chow Chows can eat broccoli.
Broccoli is a nutritious vegetable that contains vitamin K, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium and iron. It also contains fiber, which can help with digestion. Broccoli stems and florets are safe to eat either cooked or raw; however, always cut them into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards. Offer your pup 1/4 cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Cabbage
Can Chow Chows eat cabbage?
Cabbage is an excellent addition to a Chow Chow’s diet, as long as it’s given in moderation. Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help keep your pup healthy. It is also rich in fiber and moisture, which can help regulate their digestive system.
Red, green, all colors of cabbage are safe and healthy for Chow Chows. Red cabbage is more nutritious, containing 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage.
Lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best way to serve it—it’s easy to digest and won’t cause bloating or diarrhea. But make sure no seasoning with oil or salt! Offer 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Carrots
Carrots are great low-calorie treats for your Chow Chow.
Carrots contain vitamins, minerals and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack. And not only are they good for you, they’re also great for your Chow Chow’s teeth!
Raw carrots can be given as is or cooked, but if you choose to cook them, cook them until soft so that your pup can easily digest them.
For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards. Carrot cake is ok as long as you add no harmful additives.
Celery
Yes, Chow Chows can eat celery.
Celery provides your Chow Chow with a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. It is also high in moisture and fiber, meaning that it will help keep your Chow Chow hydrated and regular.
There are many ways you can feed celery to your Chow Chow. You can offer them a stick of celery as a treat or mix it into their regular food for an added boost of nutrients. Celery pairs well with other treats, such as peanut butter, making it an excellent low-calorie option for Chow Chows on a diet or those who need to lose weight.
You should always cut the celery into bite-sized pieces so that it is easier for your Chow Chow to chew and digest. Also, remember not to give them too much at once—start with one or two pieces at a time before increasing the amount as needed.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a great addition to your Chow Chow’s diet. They contain vitamins and minerals that can help keep his skin and coat healthy, as well as moisture and fiber to aid in digestion. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Chow Chow’s breath.
Cucumber seeds and peels or skin are safe for Chow Chows as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, and sugar.
It is best to give your Chow Chow one or two pieces of cucumber per day.
Garlic
Garlic is toxic to Chow Chows. Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, which is a sulfur compound. When consumed by Chow Chows, sulfur compounds can cause hemolysis (when red blood cells burst), leading to anemia. This can cause weakness and pale gums in the Chow Chow, along with other symptoms listed below.
Garlic can also cause damage to the kidneys and liver, so if you suspect your Chow Chow has eaten garlic, contact your vet immediately.
Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Chow Chow. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight.
Onions
Can Chow Chows eat onions?
The answer is a resounding NO. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis, leading to anemia in Chow Chows. A toxic dose is 15 grams per kilogram of your Chow Chow’s body weight. That’s approximately half a cup of chopped onion for every 10 pounds of your Chow Chow’s weight.
All types of onions are bad for Chow Chows—red, white, and everything in between, as well as all parts of the onion plant: flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders. If your Chow Chow ate any type of onion, contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Yes, Chow Chows can eat zucchini. Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a great way to give your pup a little nutritional boost. Zucchini is also high in fiber and moisture that helps improve their digestion.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Chow Chows to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. If you’re worried about how much Vitamin A your Chow Chow is getting from their food, you might cut back on the amount of raw zucchini they eat, especially if they are already on a high-quality diet.
The amount depends on the size of your Chow Chow, but start with just one or two small bites at first!
List of some other snacks Chow Chows can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Chow Chow can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Chow Chow can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Chow Chow should not eat bacon.
Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content. It’s not something you want to give to your Chow Chow every day, but giving him small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm.
If you want to give your Chow Chow some bacon, make sure it’s fully cooked first. Raw or undercooked meat could contain bacteria that can make your Chow Chow sick.
Beef
It’s a common question: Can Chow Chows eat beef?
The answer is yes. Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Chow Chows in small amounts unless your Chow Chow is allergic to beef. Cooked ground beef or lean cuts of meat are also fine in moderation. However, you should avoid feeding your Chow Chow raw or undercooked steak or other red meats because they can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. Coli that can make your Chow Chow sick.
Beef broth, beef stew and specialized Chow Chow beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Chow Chow. Though, larger raw beef bones can be used as chew toys but never feed cooked bone to your Chow Chow because it could splinter into sharp pieces that can damage their gums and teeth.
Bread
Yes, Chow Chows can eat bread provided that your Chow Chow is not allergic to it. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Chow Chows to eat. Avoid processed bread like bread with yeast. Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Chow Chow, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Chow Chow. Too much bread can cause diarrhea and digestive upset in Chow Chows.
Cheese
Yes, a small amount of cheese is ok for Chow Chows. Cheese provides vitamins, fatty acids, proteins and other nutrients that Chow Chows need in their diet. However, it’s important to choose the right type of cheese for your Chow Chow.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer options because they’re lower in fat content than cream cheese or blue cheese. Stay away from spicy cheeses like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese since they can upset your Chow Chow’s stomach.
If you’re wondering how much cheese is safe for a Chow Chow to eat at once? It depends on the size of your Chow Chow, but generally speaking, a few small bites will be fine.
Chicken
Yes, Chow Chows can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that are good for your pup’s health. Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option, as it is low in fat and high in protein. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis.
Amount depends on the size of the Chow Chow, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Chow Chow is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Chow Chows eat chocolate? The short answer is no. But the long answer is a little more complicated.
Chow Chows cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine, two compounds found in chocolate that are toxic to pups. In fact, theobromine is more toxic than caffeine, and sometimes it can be fatal for Chow Chows if they consume it in large quantities.
There are several types of chocolate that you should know: cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate. These types of chocolate are toxic to Chow Chows and can cause heart problems or seizures if consumed by your pup.
If your Chow Chow has ingested any type of chocolate, contact your vet immediately! Plus, educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Chow Chows to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Chow Chow can eat eggs.
Eggs are actually quite good for your Chow Chow’s nutritional needs. They contain high amounts of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals—everything your Chow Chow needs to stay healthy. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to feed your pup some eggs:
– Well-cooked egg without seasoning with harmful ingredients is fine.
– Avoid raw eggs. Raw eggs may contain bacteria like salmonella or E. coli that can make your Chow Chow sick.
– Egg shells are fine as long as you grind them and no sharp edges remain.
Fish
Can Chow Chows eat fish? Of course they can!
Fish are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. But not all of them are safe for your Chow Chow. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp, tilapia are safe for your Chow Chow. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark, swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury. Always clean them properly by deboning them before cooking them (adding no harmful additives). Feeding your Chow Chow one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is okay.
Icecream
Chow Chows cannot eat ice cream.
Ice cream contains a high amount of dairy products and sugar, which can be toxic to Chow Chows. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy. Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream and McDonald’s ice cream are all unsafe for Chow Chows to consume. If you suspect your Chow Chow accidentally ate ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Can Chow Chows eat peanut butter? The answer is yes. In moderation, peanut butter can provide your Chow Chow with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. However, ensure that the peanut butter you give your Chow Chow is pup-safe, as it can contain xylitol and chocolate.
You should also avoid giving your Chow Chow peanut butter pretzels, as they contain 3 times more sodium than regular peanut butter. The amount of peanut butter you give your Chow Chow depends on the size of your Chow Chow—start with a half teaspoon per day and work up to an ounce per day if desired.
Popcorn
Can Chow Chows eat popcorn?
Yes, Chow Chows can eat popcorn. Plain air-popped popcorn is safe for Chow Chows to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. The health benefits of popcorn are not just limited to humans. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Chow Chows, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, avoid processed popcorn. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like buttery salt topping are not safe for your Chow Chow because they can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration in the long term if they consume too much of it at once. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Chow Chow’s teeth if swallowed whole, so give them only fully popped pieces!
Turkey
Yes, Chow Chows can eat turkey! Turkey provides protein, fatty acids and minerals, and is safe to feed as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your pooch.
Turkey breast meat is the best option for Chow Chows, because it’s high in protein but low in fat and calories. Make sure you avoid feeding your Chow Chow turkey skin—it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis in Chow Chows. Also avoid processed turkey, which may contain harmful ingredients.
You should feed your Chow Chow about 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight.
Yogurt
Yes, Chow Chows can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Chow Chows. However, some Chow Chows may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Chow Chow can digest it, the good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Chow Chow.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar as it could upset your Chow Chow’s stomach. Also, skip all yogurt with artificial sweeteners as it can be toxic to Chow Chows’ kidneys and liver. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Chow Chows.