diet for a chow

Question
QUESTION: We're adopting an adult chow- around 5-6 years old. He is not pure chow- maybe some collie in him. What kind of food should I give him? I have been reading that high meat food are not the right choice. Do you have any idea what brand is good?
Thanks-

ANSWER: Hello congrats on getting your new dog and its always wonderful to hear of someone adopting a dog. Here is my feedingpage on my website it should offer some insight:

http://www.freewebs.com/dustycovens/dietfeedingfoods.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: That was helpful in terms of general food choices- do you know anything specific about a chow's diet? i also read that completely dry food can cause gas for Chows-

Answer
Hello, not chow chow suspific diets no...I'm afraid I haven't done much research into the breeds feeding habits, But from what I've just read it doesn't seem that the breed is prone to bloat or gassiness, Since the dog your getting is a mixed breed also you shouldn't have a problem feeding dry only, you can feed dry food soaked and feed it hard as well or you can add canned sometimes...some people ad canned food to there dogs daily diet... I frown apon this as it cause's tartar build up on the teeth which leads to bad breath and eventually premature tooth decay and loss without dental scaling's via the vets(the dog is under anesthetic or sedation while the teeth are cleaned from what I gather). Brushing the dogs teeth every morning or even a few times a week is also very beneficial to the dogs dental health...a simple tooth brush from a dollar store works fine....be it a dog tooth brush or a people tooth brush, but be sure to use only dog toothpastes as the ones we use contain fluoride which if the dog swallows and he likely will) will cause vomiting and other problems. Simply pull the dogs lip back and brush the back teeth on one side side to side and up and down and then do the same to the other side and then the front...if you do the front first it will make the dog more comfortable while doing the side teeth as the dog can taste the toothpaste and will be less wary of the brush when you do the side teeth....hold back the lip with one hand to do the back teeth so you can see the teeth and gums nothing makes a dog hate doing his teeth more then having someone stick the brush in without seeing where the teeth or gums are and brushing hard on his gums which of course doesn't feel comfortable to the dog, The brushing doesn't remove old caked on tartar but will help prevent new tartar from forming. Offering Large rawhides, Beef Knuckles/durable Nyla bones are also good for the teeth.  I wish you the best of luck with your new dog. feel free to email again anytime.