Utility group · Breed guide
Chow Chow: weight, routine and daily dose
The Chow Chow can be traced back some 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty of China, where the Han Dog served as a guard dog; the breed was also used for hunting. The Royal Kennel Club records two Chows arriving in Britain with East India Company traders in 1780, public interest after Queen Victoria acquired one, and Kennel Club recognition in 1894.
Its blue-black tongue, lion-like mane and short, stilted stride make it unmistakable, and the breed standard describes a quiet dog and a good guard — independent, loyal, yet aloof. The standard also says the coat must never be so heavy as to cause distress in hot weather. Up to an hour’s exercise a day is the RKC’s guide, which makes a calm, regular routine a natural fit.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 20–32 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2–3 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 40–60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4–6 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 45-70 pounds” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Chow Chow need?
A typical adult Chow Chow weighs 20–32 kg, which crosses 2 rows of the DIGEST+ feeding guide. Weigh your own dog and use the row for its current weight — the table shows each case.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days | Every 4 weeks |
The bottle label prints 25 kg in two rows (11–25 kg and 25–40 kg). We use the 11–25 kg row at exactly 25 kg; if your dog is heavier than 25 kg, use the 25–40 kg row.
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Chow Chow
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
| 3 tablets/day | 40 days | 80 days | 120 days | from £0.50 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Chow Chow owners
- An independent, aloof dog may prefer to eat undisturbed. A quiet spot and a fixed mealtime make it easier to see that the whole meal — and anything added to it — has been eaten.
- In summer, walk in the cooler parts of the day and offer meals once your dog has cooled down; the standard is clear that the coat should never cause distress in hot weather.
- A dense coat can hide changes in body shape, so feel along the ribs and use the scales rather than judging by eye.
- If your Chow is wary of new things in the bowl, start by mixing a crushed tablet into a small portion of a familiar meal.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Chow Chow: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Chow Chow have a day?
Typical adult Chow Chows weigh 20–32 kg, which crosses more than one row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 11–25 kg: 2 tablets/day; 25–40 kg: 3 tablets/day. Weigh your dog and use the row for its current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Chow Chow?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days; At 3 tablets/day one bottle lasts 40 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
My Chow Chow is aloof at mealtimes. How do I make sure the tablet is eaten?
Give the tablet crushed into a small first portion of the meal, in a quiet spot, and add the rest of the food once that has gone. That way you can see it has been eaten. If your Chow stops eating or seems unwell, speak to your vet.
How often should I weigh a Chow Chow?
Every few months is a sensible rhythm, and more often if you are adjusting their food. The thick coat makes it hard to judge weight by eye, so scales are more reliable. Your vet can weigh your dog at routine appointments.
Can every Chow Chow have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Chow Chow is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Chow Chow Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Chow Chow – Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Chow Chow breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated