Utility group · Breed guide
Shar Pei: weight, routine and daily dose
The Shar Pei’s name translates as ‘harsh sandy coat’ or ‘sand paper skin’, the Royal Kennel Club explains, and both the coat and the loose, wrinkled skin once had a purpose. The breed was developed in China as a fighting dog and a hunter: loose skin made it hard for a rival to get a strong grip, and the bristly coat was uncomfortable in the mouth. It probably shares some ancestry with the Chow Chow, descending from the ancient Han Dog, a guard dog in China 2,000 years ago.
The breed was almost wiped out in the 20th century, when the communist regime destroyed thousands of domestic dogs, before a revival. Today the RKC suggests up to an hour of exercise a day for this medium-sized dog. At around 20–27.5 kg, the Shar Pei sits either side of the 25 kg point in the feeding guide, so weighing is the first step in its routine, followed by steady mealtimes and gradual changes to anything new in the bowl.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 20–27.5 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: 45-60 pounds” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Shar Pei need?
A typical adult Shar Pei weighs 20–27.5 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 Shar Pei
| 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 Shar Pei owners
- The breed’s weight range crosses the 25 kg point where the feeding guide changes, so weigh your own dog to see which band applies.
- Introduce new foods one at a time and gradually over several days, so you can see how your dog gets on with each.
- The tablet can be eaten directly or crushed into food; mixing it into a small first portion of the meal makes sure it is eaten.
- 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.
Shar Pei: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Shar Pei have a day?
Typical adult Shar Peis weigh 20–27.5 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 Shar Pei?
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.
How should I introduce a new food or supplement to my Shar Pei?
One change at a time, and gradually. Switch foods over several days by mixing in increasing amounts of the new one, and start a supplement separately from a food change. If vomiting, diarrhoea or a loss of appetite follows, speak to your vet.
What exercise and meal pattern suits a Shar Pei?
The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day for the breed. Two regular meals, fitted after walks once your dog has settled, make an easy pattern, with DIGEST+ given at the same meal each day. Speak to your vet if your dog’s appetite changes.
Can every Shar Pei have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Shar Pei is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Shar Pei | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated