Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus 2024: Top Picks & Reviews

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inu

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Shiba Inu.

Finding the perfect meal for your Shiba Inu may feel like searching for the Holy Grail due to the many options and unique breed needs. With their distinctive fox-like features and spirited demeanor, these Japanese breeds are as picky as they are adorable. After all, your Shiba Inu isn’t just a pet – they’re a family member.

Our guide to the best dog food for Shiba Inu offers a meticulously curated catalog that considers their unique nutritional needs, dietary preferences, and innate taste buds. Whether you’re a new Shiba Inu parent or a seasoned dog parent seeking optimal nutrition for your canine companion, this comprehensive resource is your roadmap to the best recipes for Shiba Inu. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Shiba Inu.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

145

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more.

21

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

5

experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inu Chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Shiba Inu dog food health & nutritional needs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is The Best Food For Shiba Inus?

Providing your Shiba Inu with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Shiba Inu, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.

Shiba Inu is a small breed with distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Shiba Inu should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Health
  • Weight (size)

Food & Shiba Inu Age

Shiba Inu have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life, and providing them with a diet that meets these needs is essential for their overall health and well-being.

  • Shiba Inu puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Shiba Inu puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
  • Adult Shiba Inu. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Around 12 months, you will need to slowly transition him to an adult recipe that will take care of his adult nutritional needs. The MSD Veterinary Manual suggests that adult dogs should eat food that will provide a protein content of 26%.
  • Senior Shiba Inu. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around the age of 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Shiba Inu to senior food, as senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of the elderly body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important because they will boost his weakening immune system.

Food & Shiba Inu Activity Level

As with any breed, the activity level of a Shiba Inu directly impacts their dietary requirements. These energetic, agile dogs are known for their love of play and exercise, which naturally leads to a higher caloric need than less active breeds. However, it’s not just about the quantity of food; the quality, too, plays a crucial role in maintaining their health and vitality.

A protein-rich diet is essential for these active canines, as it helps build and repair muscles, ensuring that they can continue their lively pursuits without undue fatigue or risk of injury. Equally important are carbohydrates, which should be derived from high-quality, easily digestible sources like sweet potatoes or brown rice. These are a sustained energy source, preventing spikes and crashes in blood sugar and keeping your Shiba Inu’s energy levels stable throughout the day.

Food & Shiba Inu Health

Generally, Shiba Inu are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Shiba Inu may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Shiba Inu include the following:

  • Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Shiba Inu. Food allergies in Shiba Inu may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. 
  • Atopy. Also known as inhalant allergies. It is the second most common type of dog allergy and occurs when the dog’s immune system overreacts to airborne inhaled allergens such as dust, mold, or pollen.
  • Hip dysplasia. A condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly. It can lead to discomfort, lameness, and eventually arthritis.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). It is an inherited eye disease that gradually degenerates the photoreceptor cells in the retina. It is a non-painful condition that typically progresses slowly over time.
  • Distichiasis. A condition characterized by the abnormal growth of eyelashes from the glands of the eyelids. These extra eyelashes can rub against the cornea, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potential corneal damage.
  • Patella luxation. It occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated from its normal position, leading to lameness and difficulty walking.

Shiba Inu-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, providing Shiba Inu with a well-balanced and nutritious diet with preventative supplementation when your vet advises is essential.

Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Shiba Inu, considering this Shiba Inu’s specific health and nutritional requirements.

  • Avoid common allergies. Because Shiba Inu can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
  • Probiotics. Shiba Inu can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Shiba Inu’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
  • Digestibility. Shiba Inu can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Shiba Inu. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids. Rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and flaxseed, can help to boost your dog’s immune system, potentially alleviating some symptoms of atopy. These essential fats can also support joint health and may help manage hip dysplasia symptoms.
  • Antioxidants. Foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E can help to strengthen the immune system and may help manage atopic symptoms. Certain antioxidants may also support eye health and potentially slow the progression of conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy.
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds, often found in high-quality commercial dog foods or added as supplements, can support joint health and might help manage symptoms or delay the onset of conditions like hip dysplasia and patella luxation.
  • No harmful additives. Avoid dog food with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives as these can potentially cause or exacerbate allergic reactions in dogs with atopy.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Shiba Inu

Other factors to consider when picking food for this breed.

  • AAFCO approved
  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
  • Made in the USA
  • Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Your dog’s preferences

It’s important to note that each Shiba Inu has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Shiba Inu’s nutritional requirements.

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inu Chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The best dog food for Shiba Inus reviewed

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus

Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Shiba Inu.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Shiba Inu’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Shiba Inu food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.


Best Overall Dog Food For Shiba Inus — JustFoodForDogs

Our rating: 4.9

just food for dogs

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, fish, beef, venison & lamb┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, fish, beef, venison & lamb
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

JustFoodForDogs fresh recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Shiba Inu. This brand stands out because they use fresh human-grade ingredients. Think of fresh recipes as balanced home-cooked meals formulated by veterinarian nutritionists. Feeding your dog JustFoodForDogs offers many research-backed health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Unlike traditional kibble, JustFoodForDogs’s fresh food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Shiba Inu receives the healthiest, most nutritious and most flavorful meal with every serving.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. Recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. Sourced ingredients from reputable suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Zero chemicals
  • Pre-portioned pouches for easy serving
  • Never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Doesn’t process ingredients to be shelf-stable
  • Enhanced with proprietary nutrient blends

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Best Dry Dog Food For Shiba Inus — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Salmon, turkey, chicken, lamb & more┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Salmon, turkey, chicken, lamb & more
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Open Farm Ancient Grains dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Shiba Inu. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Open Farm is minimally processed. Open Farm recipes are cooked using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Open Farm is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.

Key Features

  • 100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
  • Digestive health. Contains naturally occurring pre- and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Exceeds industry standards
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!


Best Food For Shiba Inu Puppies — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon
Life stage: Puppies
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Shiba Inu. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Shiba Inu puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Shiba Inu puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

  • Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
  • Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
  • Serve as a topper or complete meal

Cons

Our Video Review

Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!


Cheapest Dog Food For Shiba Inus — Blue Buffalo

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Shiba Inu. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Shiba Inu pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
  • Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
  • Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development. 

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
  • The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs

Best Food For Senior Shiba Inus — Orijen

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish
Life stage: Senior
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Shiba Inu is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Shiba Inu healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Shiba Inu to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.

Key Features

  • Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
  • Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
  • Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
  • 85% quality animal ingredients
  • Great feedback from senior dog parent 

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Raw Food For Shiba Inus — Instinct

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Shiba Inu, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Shiba Inu a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Never cooked
  • Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
  • All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
  • Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact

Cons

  • Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
  • Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.

Best Food For Shiba Inus With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Shiba Inu with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Shiba Inu. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

  • Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat. 
  • Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved

Cons

  • Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
  • 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Food For Shiba Inus With Allergies — Royal Canin

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Natural┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Natural
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Shiba Inu suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Shiba Inu. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
  • Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
  • Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
  • Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
  • Best dog food for Shiba Inu with skin allergies
  • Best dog food for itchy skin Shiba Inu

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.

Best Grain-Free Food For Shiba Inus — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Shiba Inu dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Shiba Inu’s nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
  • Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • No rendered poultry or meat meals
  • Meats from audited higher welfare farms
  • High in protein
  • Local carbon footprint per bag

Cons

  • It can be more expensive than other brands on the market

Best Wet Dog Food For Shiba Inus — JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh

Our rating: 4.5

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best-wet food for Shiba Inu? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.

Key Features

  • Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
  • Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.

What We Like Don’t Like

Pros

  • USDA certified meats
  • Organ meats
  • A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
  • Offers health-specific options
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Provides the benefits of fresh dog food

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

Other Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Shiba Inu. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Shiba Inu to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
  • Best food topper for Shiba Inu. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
  • Best health-specific custom diet food for Shiba Inu. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Shiba Inu has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best dog food for Shiba Inu to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Shiba Inu needs to lose weight.
  • Best dog food for Shiba Inu to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Shiba Inu gain lean muscle mass.
Best Dog Food For Shiba Inu Chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Calories, transition & other food tips.

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Shiba Inu Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Shiba Inu usually weighs between 15 and 24 pounds, meaning most Shiba Inus need between 472 and 671 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Shiba Inu Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Shiba Inu’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

  • Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
  • Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Shiba Inu seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Shiba Inus

If your Shiba Inu is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus — Conclusion

In sum, selecting the best dog food for your Shiba Inu is an essential responsibility as an owner. A well-nourished Shiba Inu, feeding a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fats, will display optimal health and vitality. Each brand offers various benefits, including high-quality ingredients, grain-free options, and different flavors that would make any Shiba Inu mealtime an event to anticipate. But it’s not just about the brands; it’s also about knowing what your Shiba Inu needs based on their life stage, health condition, and individual preferences. By providing your Shiba Inu with the best food possible, you’re nourishing their body and spirit.

The best dog food for your Shiba Inu should embody a commitment to their health, happiness, and longevity. Remember, every meal you serve your Shiba Inu is a chance to show them how much you care.

Is your Shiba Inu suffering from health issues related to poor nutrition? Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from providing the best care for your pet. Consider getting the best pet insurance for Shiba Inu today.


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Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Editorial Team at Canine Bible | + posts

Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.

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