Chi Dog Food offers five different gently cooked diets for dogs based on Chinese Food Therapy techniques. Dr. Susan Bohrer (integrative veterinarian) and Dr. Berg (veterinarian) partnered to found Chi Dog in order to provide pet parents access to all the benefits of the nutritional therapy of Eastern Medicine. Each recipe is geared towards a particular dog’s element, seeking to achieve energy balance, improve quality of life and optimize the health of our dogs.
The recipes from Chi Dog Food each contain a single protein, and one of the recipes is a vegetarian diet (containing tofu and egg). The Chi Dog recipes are all moderately low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and are moderate to high in fat (less than 20% carbs, greater than 33% protein, greater than 40% fat on a caloric basis).
The general composition of these diets makes them appropriate for a moderate to highly active dog, or one that gets over 30 minutes of intense activity per day. As each of these recipes are single protein diets they may also be a good choice for dogs with food allergies – in particular the pork and the vegetarian diet. For dogs with allergies to fish – none of these recipes use fish, salmon or fish oil, instead, they use Algal Oil as a source of DHA. The Vegetarian, Pork and Beef recipes are grain-free, and the Pork and the Vegetarian recipes contain peas – the rest of the recipes by Chi Dog have grain.
Review Updated March 2023
OVERVIEW:
Company Responded to Questions Asked via Email: No. The information gathered below was from their website December 2021.
Who formulated Chi Dog Food? Dr. Susan Bohrer (Integrative Veterinarian & Certified in Chinese Food Therapy), Dr. Edward Moser (ACVN Diplomat – Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist) formulated all the Chi Dog Food recipes.
Where are the ingredients for Chi Dog Food sourced? All ingredients are human-grade and all meats are USDA certified. The food produced by Chi Dog is considered human-edible and fit for human consumption.
Where are Chi Dog Food Human Grade Dog Food Recipes Manufactured? All of the Chi Dog Food Recipes are made in a USDA-regulated kitchen in California.
What Quality Control Procedures does Chi Dog Lightly Cooked Dog Food perform on their foods? No mention was given on their website of quality control procedures including mycotoxin testing, or pathogen testing.
Has Chi Dog Invested in Digestibility or AAFCO Feeding Trials? No AAFCO Feeding Trials or Digestibility trials were mentioned on their website.
Are Full Nutritional Profiles Found Online for the Chi Dog Food Recipes? Only guaranteed analysis is available for these products, it is unknown if full nutritional profiles were tested.
Has Chi Dog Food ever been Recalled? No
RECIPES:
Chi Dog Food Wood Diet
The Chi Dog Wood Diet is very high in protein and fat and lower in carbohydrates. Due. to caloric density being low, this diet is likely most appropriate for a picky dog, or a lightly to moderately active urban dog. A highly active endurance athlete may find this recipe to be too low in caloric density and too high in protein to maintain a healthy weight, as protein makes a poor energy source.
Estimated Nutrient Breakdown based on Guaranteed Analysis:
| Dry Matter | Caloric Distribution | Nutrient Density | ||||
| Protein | 63% | Protein | 48% | Protein | 160.6 | g/1000 kcal |
| Fat | 21% | Fat | 43% | Fat | 59.2 | g/1000 kcal |
| Carbs | 10% | Carbs | 9% | Carbs | 31.7 | g/1000 kcal |
Ingredients: Chicken, egg, brown rice, carrots, broccoli, eggplant, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), Macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide] Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast] Choline chloride, Vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement).
AAFCO Statement: Chi Dog is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Balanced for both adults and puppies, including large breed dogs.
Chi Dog Food Fire Diet
The Chi Dog Fire Diet is high in protein, ultra-high in fat, and low in carbohydrates. Dog food recipes with this composition are a great choice for highly active dogs or those who do endurance activities. This recipe also offers a slightly higher caloric density to help with weight maintenance for an active dog.
Estimated Nutrient Breakdown based on Guaranteed Analysis:
| Dry Matter | Caloric Distribution | Nutrient Density | ||||
| Protein | 50% | Protein | 36% | Protein | 117.3 | g/1000 kcal |
| Fat | 29% | Fat | 52% | Fat | 69.2 | g/1000 kcal |
| Carbs | 16% | Carbs | 12% | Carbs | 40.6 | g/1000 kcal |
Ingredients: Turkey, millet, carrots, broccoli, edamame, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), Macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide] Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast] Choline chloride, Vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement).
AAFCO Statement: Chi Dog is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Balanced for both adults and puppies, including large breed dogs.
Chi Dog Food Earth Diet
The Chi Dog Earth diet is a vegetarian dog food recipe that is high in protein and fat and moderate in carbohydrates (and fiber!) along with being low in caloric density. This makes this recipe a potentially good option for dogs who are obese-prone that have lower calorie requirements.
Estimated Nutrient Breakdown based on Guaranteed Analysis:
| Dry Matter | Caloric Distribution | Nutrient Density | ||||
| Protein | 48% | Protein | 39% | Protein | 133.3 | g/1000 kcal |
| Fat | 20% | Fat | 42% | Fat | 59.0 | g/1000 kcal |
| Carbs | 23% | Carbs | 19% | Carbs | 66.7 | g/1000 kcal |
Ingredients: Eggs, tofu, sweet potato, peas, spinach, mushrooms, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), Macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide] Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast] Choline chloride, Vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement).
AAFCO Statement: Chi Dog is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Balanced for both adults and puppies, including large breed dogs.
Chi Dog Food Metal Diet
The Chi Dog Metal Diet is ultra high in protein and fat and carbohydrate restrictive. The recipe is also very low in caloric density. This makes this diet potentially a good option for a picky dog. Dogs with higher activity may need to consume large amounts of food in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Estimated Nutrient Breakdown based on Guaranteed Analysis:
| Dry Matter | Caloric Distribution | Nutrient Density | ||||
| Protein | 54% | Protein | 37% | Protein | 161.0 | g/1000 kcal |
| Fat | 34% | Fat | 57% | Fat | 102.4 | g/1000 kcal |
| Carbs | 5% | Carbs | 6% | Carbs | 24.4 | g/1000 kcal |
Ingredients: Beef, white potato, carrots box choy, kale, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), Macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide] Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast] Choline chloride, Vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement).
AAFCO Statement: Chi Dog is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Balanced for both adults and puppies, including large breed dogs.
Chi Dog Food Water Diet
The Chi Dog Water Diet is ultra high in protein and fat and carbohydrate restrictive. The recipe is also very low in caloric density. This makes this diet potentially a good option for a picky dog. Dogs with higher activity may need to consume large amounts of food in order to maintain a healthy weight.
Estimated Nutrient Breakdown based on Guaranteed Analysis:
| Dry Matter | Caloric Distribution | Nutrient Density | ||||
| Protein | 46% | Protein | 32% | Protein | 145.4 | g/1000 kcal |
| Fat | 32% | Fat | 55% | Fat | 102.2 | g/1000 kcal |
| Carbs | 16% | Carbs | 12% | Carbs | 55.0 | g/1000 kcal |
Ingredients: Pork, barley, peas, sweet potato, watercress, flaxseed meal (source of ALA), algal oil (source of DHA), Macro minerals [tricalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, monosodium phosphate, magnesium oxide] Trace minerals [zinc proteinate, iron proteinate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, calcium iodide, selenium yeast] Choline chloride, Vitamins [L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (source of vitamin C), d-calcium pantothenate, riboflavin, niacin, d-biotin, vitamin B12, vitamin A acetate, vitamin E supplement, folic acid, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement).
AAFCO Statement: Chi Dog is formulated to meet nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages including growth of large size dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
Balanced for both adults and puppies, including large breed dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )
Where to buy Chi Dog Food?
Chi Dog Food is a direct-to-consumer brand, meaning that you order foods on their website and they are shipped frozen directly to your door. Chi Dog’s menu is available for dog parents in the USA, and you can setup a meal plan using their website. If you have issues choosing which of the Chi Dog recipes would be the healthiest fit for your pup their website has several tools to assess your dog using Chinese Medicine to the right diet for your doggie.
How do you store and feed Chi Dog Food?
Chi Dog is shipped frozen on dry ice, and will need to be thawed prior to feeding. To thaw Chi Dog packages can be placed in the fridge overnight. However, if you need to use the food sooner, you can safely thaw it one of two ways.
First is by placing the food in a microwave-safe container and using the defrost function on your microwave. The second is by placing the closed package (not the cardboard cover, but with the food in the plastic sleeve) into cool water. Rotate the water and the food should thaw safely within about 30 minutes to an hour.
It is not recommended to thaw foods on the counter or warm them on the stove-top to heat up. This may lead to vitamin degradation or food safety concerns.
What food you are not planning on using for the next 3 days should be stored in your freezer. Over time you will get into a routine of moving foods from your freezer to the fridge to feed your pup. If you do have a larger breed dog you may need a separate freezer for the storage of your dog’s food – I usually recommend having at least one month’s worth of food on-hand at a time.
Is Chi Dog Food Balanced for Puppies?
Yes – Chi Dog is complete and balanced for both puppies and adult dogs. Chi dog foods are also suitable for large breed puppy growth.
Chi Dog vs. Kibble – how does it compare?
The two many differences between a lightly cooked food like Chi Dog vs. Kibble come down to the method of processing and the preservation of the food. Most kibbled dog foods are considered ultra-processed meaning they are cooked at higher temperatures, or long periods of time to both kill pathogens and remove moisture. In comparison to Chi Dog which uses a lightly cooking method that will kill pathogens, however not so long or hot that moisture is removed. Kibbled dog foods also need to use preservatives in order to keep them shelf-stable, in contrast, Chi Dog uses the method of freezing to preserve the food. This allows us to have a healthy, whole food recipe without preservatives or high cooking temperatures.
Is Chi Dog a Raw Dog Food?
No, Chi Dog is a lightly cooked dog food brand, not a raw dog food. By gently cooking the food Chi Dog can remove potential pathogens present in meats, while still offering all the benefits of a fresh food diet.
Can Chi Dog Food be Used as a Topper?
Yes, Chi Dog Food is a great way to supplement your dog’s regular diet, and is a great meal topper for picky dogs. You can set up Chi Dog with an automatic delivery with a variety of Chi Dog recipes to be used as toppers, and even set up automatic delivery to create your own Topper Meal Plan.
How much does Chi Dog Cost?
The cost of Chi Dog Food will vary depending on the size of your dog and their unique nutritional needs. However, calculating the potential price of Chi Dog is actually very simple – on their website, you can receive a free quote that includes the cost of feeding your pup.
For comparison purposes, according to their calculation – a 50 lb dog eating their Wood Diet (which is a chicken recipe), would cost about $297 dollars to feed per month. Depending on what you are currently feeding this may be more or less expensive, and works out to about $9.90 per day.
Are Chi Dog Recipes Good for Dogs with Allergies?
Depending on if your dog has food or environmental allergies will depend on which Chi Dog recipe is best for your pup. All the Chi Dog Meals were created as therapeutic diets – meaning they all have specific purposes or key factors they are looking to address.
For dogs with environmental allergies, we typically look for diets higher in protein in fat, with a good omega 3 to 6 ratio to help with inflammation and repair the skin barrier. For dogs with allergies the Chi Dog Water Diet (Pork), or Fire Diet (Turkey) may be good options – both are higher in protein and fat, using meats with an excellent omega 3 to 6 profile.
For dogs with food allergies recommendations will be based on which foods that your pup is allergic to. As the most common allergens are beef, chicken, and egg – the pork or turkey recipes may be a good choice. The good thing is all the recipes by Chi Dog are single-protein, and none of them use salmon or fish oil – which is great for dogs with allergies to seafood. Instead, they use Algal oil as a source of DHA.
Are Chi Dog Meals Good for Dogs with Loose Stools or Diarrhea?
Typically for dogs that have a sensitive stomach and suffer from loose stools, we look for recipes that have a low fat content, and that are highly digestible. Though there are certain cases like dogs with IBD, or dogs with fiber-responsive diarrhea where we may reach for other diet compositions such as novel proteins, or high fiber. As none of the recipes by Chi Dog are low fat, they may not be suitable for dogs with a sensitive stomach, or that need a low-fat diet.
About the Author: Nikki is a Registered Veterinary Technician (Veterinary Nurse) and Dog Mom with over a decade of experience with dogs and cats. Since graduation from college (BS Biology, Dip. Animal Nutrition, AS Animal Science) she has adopted two mixed breed dogs – Ranger and Ash, and has focused her time learning about pet food and nutrition.
Nikki shares information on a range of pet nutrition topics: from how to create a homemade complete and balanced dog and cat food recipes, to how to choose a pet food. Nikki strives to give dog and cat parents the information they need in order to make the best nutrition decisions for their pet!
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