What to feed a Pekingese
A Pekingese is a small, flat-faced toy breed, usually 3-6kg fully grown, and both of those traits shape what to look for in food: a small-breed kibble size that's easy for a short muzzle to pick up and chew, and a calorie-aware approach to portions, since the breed is genuinely prone to gaining weight if fed generously.
Why size and face shape matter here
Small-breed dry food is made with a smaller kibble than a standard adult recipe, which matters more for a Pekingese than for many small breeds because of their flat face and shorter muzzle — a large, hard piece of kibble is genuinely more awkward for them to pick up and chew than it would be for a longer-muzzled dog of similar size.
Wet food or a soaked dry food is worth considering for the same reason, particularly for a puppy or an older Pekingese with fewer or worn teeth, since it needs less mechanical effort to eat.
Managing weight
Pekingese are a breed that commonly gains weight, partly because their small size and low exercise needs mean it doesn't take much extra food to tip the balance, and partly because their flat-faced build already puts some strain on breathing that extra weight makes worse. A calorie-appropriate small-breed formula, fed to the pack's guide for their actual weight, matters more here than for a leaner, more active breed.
Weigh food out rather than free-feeding or guessing by eye, and check your dog's body condition — feeling their ribs and looking for a waist — every few weeks rather than relying on the bathroom scales alone, since a small dog's healthy weight range is a narrow band.
Eating style and mealtimes
Some Pekingese eat quickly or noisily because of their flat face and shortened airway, and a slow feeder bowl or a smaller, more frequent meal pattern can make mealtimes calmer and reduce the amount of air swallowed along with food. This is a comfort measure rather than a medical fix.
If your Pekingese regularly struggles to eat comfortably, seems to tire quickly while eating, or makes unusual noises around mealtimes, that's worth mentioning to your vet, since it can be connected to the breed's airway structure rather than the food itself.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Common questions
- How much should I feed a Pekingese?
- Follow the feeding guide on your chosen food for your dog's actual weight, weighed on kitchen scales rather than estimated, and adjust based on body condition rather than a fixed amount. Pekingese are prone to weight gain, so it's worth checking their body condition every few weeks rather than assuming the same portion always works.
- Is wet or dry food better for a Pekingese?
- Both can work well — wet food or soaked dry food can be easier for a Pekingese to eat comfortably given their flat face and shorter muzzle, particularly for puppies or older dogs. A small-breed dry kibble is a perfectly good option too, and many owners use a mix of both.
- Why does my Pekingese eat so fast?
- It's common in flat-faced breeds and can be down to their face shape making food easier to gulp than chew properly. A slow feeder bowl or splitting meals into smaller, more frequent portions can help slow things down and make mealtimes more comfortable.
- Are Pekingese prone to being overweight?
- Yes, it's a common issue in the breed, partly due to their low exercise needs and small size making extra food add up quickly. Weighing portions accurately and monitoring body condition regularly is more effective for a Pekingese than relying on how much they seem to want to eat.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.