If you want a pet that is low-energy, cuddly, and small, the Japanese Chin is a perfect option. Weighing less than 10 lbs, this breed is happy living in a small space with minimal exercise. The best dog food for Japanese Chins has a high protein to calorie ratio. Because they are so small, these dogs don’t eat a lot, so it is important each bite of dog food is filled with nutrients. Before looking at the diet requirements for a Japanese Chin, let’s first go back in time and learn more about their history.
About Japanese Chins
A Dog Fit for an Emperor
The Japanese Chin breed can be traced back thousands of years to the continent of Asia. It is an old toy breed that is suspected to have evolved from the Tibetan Spaniel. It is rumored that a Chinese Emperor gave a Japanese Chin as a gift to a Japanese Emperor, which is where they developed their name. The dogs would sit on the laps of Emperors to keep them warm as they ruled in the imperial courts.
This breed doesn’t have many ties outside Asia until 1853 when international trade began in the region. Japanese Chins became very popular in Britain and the United States, especially by wealthy people, and many dogs were imported from Asia. Up until 1977, the breed was called the Japanese Spaniel, instead of Chin, in the United States.
Physical Appearance: Small and Dainty
Japanese Chins have a broad head, an almost-flat face, large eyes, and small v-shaped ears. Their plumed tail is held high over their body and their silky fur feathers around the ears and on the back of their legs. Despite looking very regal, a Japanese Chin has low grooming requirements. Their coat doesn’t typically mat and doesn’t need trimming. They shed an average amount of hair.
The average Japanese Chin is between 8 inches and 11 inches tall and weighs between 4 pounds and 9 pounds. Because these dogs are so small, their necks are very delicate. It is recommended to use a harness instead of a collar.
They can be found in three traditional color combinations; black and white, sable and white, and lemon and white. While there are dogs that are black, white, and tan, those are not considered the traditional markings.
Demeanor: Cat-Like Tendencies
Japanese Chins are known to be elegant, mild-mannered, and playful. It is a great, low-maintenance option for first-time dog owners. They are just as happy to play with a toy inside, then they are to go for a walk. This breed’s demeanor is frequently compared to that of a cat. Japanese Chins love to jump onto high surfaces and perch delicately on the back of furniture. Make sure to remove anything fragile from high surfaces, like fire mantels and shelves.
Nutritional Requirements
The Japanese Chin breed is prone to upset stomachs and the dogs tend to be fussy eaters. So how much should a Japanese Chin eat? Between ¼ cup and ½ cup of dog food per day, divided between two or three meals. It is important to search for dog foods that are filled with protein and not empty calories. Food that is high in fiber will help avoid the issue of impacted anal glands. Choose a small-sized kibble to assist with healthy digestion. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will contribute to a healthy coat and skin. Lastly, include vitamin B6 and B12, along with taurine and L-carnitine in their diet to keep their cardiac system strong.
Adult
An adult Japanese Chin needs between 210 and 240 calories per day. Very active dogs may consume up to 260 calories in their diet. Feeding adults nutrients that target the cardiac system is important and will greatly benefit them in their senior years.
Senior
A senior Japanese Chin needs between 185 and 210 calories per day, depending on their size and activity level. Keep in mind that dog food that is rich in fiber and has probiotics is important at this age. Their digestive system can always use help so it performs at its peak.
How to Feed a Japanese Chin Puppy
This toy breed takes a little longer to wean off their mother’s milk than other dog breeds. Usually, they can transition to dry food around 16 weeks or when they weigh at least 4 pounds. Japanese Chin puppies need to consume around 170 calories daily. They should be fed 3 to 4 meals a day to ensure healthy digestion.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats split
To ensure your Japanese Chin is receiving an optimal balance of healthy food, it is ideal to look at the macronutrients in dog food. The percentage of protein, carbs, and fat is laid out by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The following are their recommendations for pet food for Japanese Chins:
If your dog doesn’t like the traditional sources of protein, like chicken or beef, try a type of dog food that includes fish as the main ingredient. When looking at carbohydrates, avoid dog foods that list corn and opt for ones that include brown rice or sweet potato. Fatty acids will come from ingredients like salmon oil or coconut oil.
Common Health Problems
As with most purebred breeds, the Japanese Chin can suffer from common health issues. It is important that if you’re not adopting, find a good breeder that can provide you the parents' health history. Typically a Japanese Chin has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
Atrioventricular Endocardiosis
Atrioventricular Endocardiosis is a degenerative heart disease that is caused by the mitral and tricuspid valves. The misshaped valves cause leakage, and can eventually lead to heart failure if not identified early enough. Atrioventricular Endocardiosis can be identified by a vet hearing heart murmurs on the left side of the heart. The sound gets louder the longer the problem exists. The best preventative measure to combat heart health problems is to feed your Japanese Chin dog food that includes the B vitamins, L-carnitine, and taurine.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Toy breeds are prone to suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. This condition occurs when the head of the femur, which is attached to the pelvis, doesn’t receive enough blood and the bone starts to disintegrate. The first symptoms, limping and leg muscle atrophy, typically occur around the age of 4 to 6 months. Once diagnosed, this health concern can be corrected with surgery.
Patellar Luxation
If you notice your Japanese Chin develops an irregular gate or occasionally goes lame, ask your vet to check for Patellar Luxation. This health concern occurs when the patella (comprised of the thigh bone, knee cap, and calf) aren’t lined up properly. While Patellar Luxation occurs at birth, it often is not diagnosed until later in life after the dog finishes growing. The bones rubbing as a result of this disease is known to cause arthritis. Keeping your Japanese Chin at a healthy weight will help prevent pain associated with Patellar Luxation. Also, food that contains glucosamine and vitamin C will contribute to joint health.
Recommendations for the Best Dog Foods for Japanese Chins
1. Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Adult & Puppy Salmon, Anchovy & Sardine Recipe by Holistic Select
Natural Dry Dog Food by Holistic Select is grain-free and the salmon, anchovy, and sardine recipe are highly recommended. The premium ingredients include optimized levels of prebiotics and probiotics, live yogurt cultures, natural fiber, and digestive enzymes, all of which contribute to a very healthy digestive system.
Anchovy and sardine meal, followed by brown rice, oatmeal, rice, and salmon meal are the first five ingredients in this dog food recipe. It is packed full of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and taurine. It contains no meat or poultry by-products, no wheat or gluten, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This product is a great option for Japanese Chins that have sensitive stomachs or digestive systems because it does not contain the usual protein sources, like poultry or beef.
Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dog Food by Hill's Science is designed for small and mini adult dogs. The special formula contains high levels of protein and fiber. The protein will keep your Japanese Chins satisfied throughout the day without overfeeding them. It is enhanced with L-carnitine which will aid in a healthy cardiac system.
Chicken is the first ingredient in this food, and it does not contain any chicken by-product meal. It contains no artificial preservatives, no synthetic colors, and no artificial flavors. The kibble is designed for small dogs and is extra small to accommodate small mouths, which will assist with proper digestion. This product is the best dog food for a Japanese Chin if they have an existing overweight issue, or if they are becoming older and less active.
Japanese Chins will love the delicious flavors of venison and garbanzo beans in the Dry Dog Food Appalachian Valley by Taste of the Wild for small breeds. It contains 32% protein and is grain-free. The high-quality, pasture-raised venison is the number one ingredient, followed by lamb meal, garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils.
This dog food also contains antioxidants which help maintain a healthy immune system, and are very important in a Japanese Chins’ diet. The species-specific probiotics support a healthy digestive system.
Conclusion
The best dog food for Japanese Chins is Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dog Food, Salmon, Anchovy, and Sardine Recipe. It’s filled with fruits and vegetables which provide antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, that meet the breed’s nutrition requirements. In addition, the high-quality source of protein and fatty acids will satisfy their hunger levels and give them energy all day long.
These fluffy pups might be small in size but they have big hearts. They love to be around humans, are excellent cuddlers, and are always looking to learn the next trick to keep their minds sharp. Japanese Chins provide loving companionship to us and it is important to feed them a nutritious diet to ensure they are healthy for their entire lives.
