Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats
Tiny, low-calorie treats perfect for repetitive training sessions. Real chicken recipe with no wheat, corn, or soy.
Chow Chow at a Glance
Size
medium
Weight
45-70 lbs
Energy
low
Coat
thick rough double coat
Common Health Concerns
Why Dog Training Treats Matter for Your Chow Chow
I've spent years working with Chow Chow dogs -- first at the clinic in Portland, then through the shelter, and now testing products with my own two dogs at home. The Chow Chow is dignified and serious, with a moderate build at 45-70 lbs and laid-back temperament. Picking the wrong dog training treat for this breed means wasted money and a frustrated dog (I've seen it happen more times than I can count). Here's what I've learned actually works.
Every Chow Chow owner figures out pretty quickly that generic products don't always cut it. Their thick rough double coat, medium build, and low energy level mean you need dog training treats chosen specifically for this breed. I've tested dozens of options against the factors that matter most for Chow Chow dogs: size and calorie content, ingredient quality, palatability. Here's what actually held up.
Medium-Breed Sizing for Chow Chow (45-70 lbs)
Medium dogs can handle standard-sized training treats. Keep them small (under 5 calories) so you can use many per session without weight gain.
The Chow Chow at 45-70 lbs sits in the versatile medium range, which gives you the widest selection. The key is matching to your specific dog's build -- a muscular, stocky Chow Chow has different needs than a leaner one, even at the same weight. When in doubt, I size up rather than down.
Matching Dog Training Treats to Your Chow Chow's Low-Energy Lifestyle
Low-energy dogs may be less food-motivated. Try high-value treats like freeze-dried meat or cheese to increase engagement.
Lower-energy breeds like the Chow Chow spend more time resting than playing, which shifts your priorities. Comfort and quality become more important than extreme durability. That said, "low energy" doesn't mean "no energy" -- your Chow Chow still has active moments and deserves products that are well-made and safe.
Health Concerns That Affect Dog Training Treat Choice
The Chow Chow is predisposed to certain health conditions that should directly influence your dog training treats choices. I saw these conditions constantly during my years at the clinic, and shopping with them in mind is one of the most impactful things you can do as an owner.
Hip Dysplasia:
Factor in joint health when choosing products. Anything that reduces impact, supports posture, or helps maintain healthy weight contributes to better outcomes for breeds prone to this condition.
Bloat:
Bloat-prone breeds need careful attention to meal timing and post-meal activity. Factor this into your daily routine.
What to Look For: A Chow Chow Buyer's Checklist
When I'm comparing dog training treats for a Chow Chow, these are the factors I weigh most heavily -- ranked by importance for this breed:
Size And Calorie Content
The Chow Chow at 45-70 lbs needs products sized for their medium frame. I only recommend options available in the correct size range -- "close enough" doesn't cut it.
Ingredient Quality
Chow Chow dogs do best with quality protein as the first ingredient. I check for fillers, by-products, and artificial additives that offer zero nutritional value.
Palatability
I evaluate this factor specifically for Chow Chow dogs, accounting for their medium size, low energy level, and thick rough double coat.
Texture
I evaluate this factor specifically for Chow Chow dogs, accounting for their medium size, low energy level, and thick rough double coat.
Value Per Treat
I factor in both upfront cost and long-term value. A $40 product that lasts two years beats a $15 product you replace every three months -- I've done the math on this more times than I'd like to admit.
Sarah's Tips for Chow Chow Owners
Account for shedding.
The Chow Chow's thick rough double coat sheds seasonally (and usually year-round -- Maple's fur is on everything I own). Any dog training treat touching their body will collect fur. Choose products with removable, washable components.
Read reviews from other Chow Chow owners.
Generic reviews tell you about the product. Reviews from Chow Chow owners tell you about the product *with your breed*. Filter Amazon reviews by searching "Chow Chow" -- it's the closest thing to breed-specific testing data you'll find.
Our Recommendations
Top 2 Picks for Chow Chow
2 products reviewed
Zuke's Mini Naturals Training Treats
Tiny, low-calorie treats perfect for repetitive training sessions. Real chicken recipe with no wheat, corn, or soy.
StarMark Pro-Training Clicker
Ergonomic design with adjustable volume. The clear, consistent click sound helps your dog learn faster through marker training.
Health Considerations
Chow Chow dogs are known to be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, bloat. When choosing dog training treats, keep these health concerns in mind. Joint support is particularly important for this breed, so look for products that provide orthopedic benefits or promote joint health.
Keep Exploring
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog training treat for a Chow Chow?
The best dog training treat for a Chow Chow should account for their medium size (45-70 lbs), low energy level, and dignified, serious, bright temperament. We recommend checking our top picks above, which we have selected based on these breed-specific factors.
How much should I spend on dog training treats for my Chow Chow?
Quality dog training treats for Chow Chow dogs typically range from $15 to $80+ depending on the specific product. We recommend investing in quality products that will last, especially for your dog's specific needs.
Are there specific dog training treats to avoid for Chow Chow dogs?
Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all products that don't account for Chow Chow's specific medium build and low energy needs. Always choose size-appropriate products.
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