The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese dog and is the smallest of the 6 native Japanese breeds like Goldendoodles. Shibas are known for being active, intelligent, and good companion dogs. They are protective of their owners and their personal belongings. If Shibas are properly socialized they can become quite good friends with children.
They like to roam around the home by themselves but also love to entertain and play with their owners. This foxlike small breed like all other dog breeds needs really good care to live a happy and active life. This guide will suggest some of the best dog foods for Shiba Inus as well as other important information pet parents need to know.
Breed’s Overview:
Shiba Inus are distinguished from other dog breeds by their curly tail, double-coated fur, and prick ears. If your dog’s hair needs brushing you can check here. They are most commonly seen in black, cream, and white colors with white patches on their chest and belly.
Shiba Inus are smart and loyal thus, both qualities make them great watchdogs. They may become cranky with other dogs but if properly trained they get along with other dogs and even with cats. Other prominent features of Shiba Inus are:
- Energetic
- Intelligent and easy to groom
- Bold and fierce
Are Shiba Inus Hypoallergenic?
Shiba Inu’s are not hypoallergenic. They shed a lot, and have hair that is as coarse as human hair even though they have fur. Shiba Inus produce oils in their sebaceous glands, which are located just under the skin and whose secretions lubricate the skin and coat to keep it water resistant.
They typically bathe themselves by licking the dirt off of their own coat, so they ingest a lot of natural oils this way. If you’re allergic to proteins found in dog or cat dander, then you may be allergic to proteins found in Shiba Inus too.
Common Health Issues in Shiba Inu Dogs:
Shibas are generally healthy and self-cleaning dog breeds. However, they are prone to some diseases. These diseases can be hereditary or a consequence of poor diet or habitat. Some breeds of Shiba Inu food allergies so you have to be careful while selecting food for them. Following are some particular diseases from which Shibas can suffer:
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
What Food Items Do Shiba Inu Dogs Eat?
High-quality good food works best for Shibas. Some Shibas are picky about food while some eat every type of food. Hence, a proper feeding pattern is important according to their age and size.
As they are prone to allergies so, always be careful about your food choice. If your Shiba is suffering from dental issues, try giving them dry food. Altogether, Shibas need a balanced diet of proteins and fats to fulfill their daily nutritional requirements.
Best Dog Food for Shiba Inus
Every pet owner wants their pet to be healthy and energetic. For that reason, they want to buy the best dog food for Shiba Inu, their dog. Shiba Inus also have some specific nutrient requirements that need to be fulfilled.
Selecting the complete pack of nutrition can be quite tough if pet parents have a lot of options in front of them. To help you out, I have reviewed some of the best dog foods currently available for Shibas.
1. Nutro Natural Dog Food- Best Dog Food or Akitas
The first dog food priority can be given to this high-quality protein-sourced product. It has real lamb as a good source of protein. Small kibble size is an advantage for shiba Inu who prefers small bites.
This formula is not only just delicious but a full source of nutrition. Essential antioxidants make your Shiba’s immunity strong that will help it to fight diseases.
The addition of natural fiber is good for easy digestion. It has well-balanced ingredients of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are cooked in USA facilities.
User Experience:
According to the pet owners, this dog food came out amazing. Their dogs loved the taste and the small kibble size helped them to chew quite easily. Some customers found that their dog’s allergy has gone after eating this food. Dry kibbles helped the dogs with dental problems and pet owners are happy with that.
2. Blue Buffalo Dog Food- Shiba Inu Puppy Food
The manufacturers of this product guarantee high-quality real chicken as their first ingredient. This high-quality protein from the chicken will build healthy muscles in Shiba Inu dogs.
Moreover, this healthy formula also contains wholesome grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits for proper fiber and minerals intake. Blue Buffalo food comprises carbohydrates that are important for a dog’s daily energy need.
The addition of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids makes your dog’s coat shiny and skin healthy. Hence, this product can be a reliable choice for the Shiba’s daily food intake.
User Experience:
Most of the pet owners are quite satisfied with this product as their dogs preferred this formula over other food formulas. Dog’s allergies and cholesterol problems were also solved after having this. Moreover, it came out beneficial for the Shiba Inu having sensitive stomachs.
3. Hill’s Science Dog Food- Shiba Dog Food
This Chicken flavored dog food formula is made up of chicken and brown rice as main components. It is prepared with fine-quality ingredients that are easy to digest due to the balanced amount of fiber present.
A premium source of protein helps in better growth and maintenance of the shiba Inu’s muscles. As Shiba’s have a double coat, this formula contains Vitamin E and omega-6 that helps in maintaining the beautiful healthy skin and coat.
Furthermore, the formula is made up of natural ingredients with added supplements of vitamins and minerals that ensure that Shiba is getting every nutrient he needs.
User Experience:
Many of the Shiba owners found this formula simply amazing. According to them, their Shibas love the taste and they do not have to add meat anymore to make them eat. They love Hill’s Science Dry Dog Food. Other owners gave this food on the recommendation of their vet and found their dogs to be healthier.
Buying Guide for Best Dog Food for Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus are generally picky eaters. To find food that is good in taste and has complete nutrition in one pack is very important. Here the question arises: that which things are the indication of the right food? To find the answer, keep on reading the buying guide below.
What to Look for In the Best Dog Foods for Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are active little dogs. They need a balanced diet for their proper nourishment and a healthy immune system. While choosing the most appropriate food for Shiba Inu, it is important to look for the following ingredients in the package:
- The first thing to look for is whole meat that helps better digestion and is a source of high-quality protein for your Shiba.
- The addition of healthy fats is essential for a shiny coat. Cheap ingredients can cause inflammation in the skin causing allergies and skin issues.
- The chosen dog food should contain a good ratio of carbohydrates as a source of energy for your dog. Carbohydrates help the brain and nervous system to function well.
- Do not overlook vitamins and minerals as they play an important role in your dog’s health. They are necessary for bones and promote eye health.
Ingredients that should be avoided:
Some food brands add food items that are not good for the Shiba’s health. For example, the addition of fillers in the food will make the dog full on time. This can make the dog nutrient deficient. It is important to know which ingredients are harmful to the Shibas. Some of the ingredients are listed below:
- Artificial colors and preservatives
- Corn, wheat, and soy
- Meat by-products
How Much Should Pet Owners Feed their Shiba Inu Dogs in a Day?
The feeding pattern of Shiba Inu entirely depends on its age, size, and build metabolism. 1.5 cups of good quality dog food two times per day is the recommended portion.
What Kind of Treats Should Pet Owners Feed Shiba Inus?
If pet parents are looking for healthy treats for the Shibas then, they should try giving them items that are less sweet and natural. Some of the good treats for Shibas include boiled chicken, carrots, broccoli, and green beans.
Important Buying Tips
- Understand the basics of Shiba Inu’s health
- Consider age, activity level, weight
- Consider what kind of food items shiba Inus were having earlier
- Research numerous brands & kinds of the dog foods
- Variety is highly recommended
- Try switching between different kinds of food items
- Consider purchasing in bulk
- Read customer reviews of every food item you are considering
Conclusion
Overall, it can be said that being a pet owner is quite a big responsibility as you have to keep an eye on every aspect of your dog’s needs. Hopefully, this article helped answer the important questions concerning the best dog food for Shiba Inu. Here, I would like to mention that pet parents should remember that there is no best product out there, it actually depends on every canine therefore, it is better to do a lot of research in order to get the right product for Shiba Inu. Moreover, just be attentive to your precious Shiba Inu’s signals as it will help you to better understand his needs.
