In Overview: Best Dog Food For Akitas
Hello, Akita owners!
We’re a team of dog lovers and food reviewers. We’ve worked with our vet, Alex Crowe, to find the best food for your dogs.
Today, we’re talking about the Akita breed. These dogs are known for their loyalty and strong family protection instincts. They require a balanced diet to maintain their overall health.
Akitas have specific dietary needs. They need food rich in nutrients to support their active lifestyle. But remember, diet is just one part of the equation – regular exercise is equally important to keep them fit and prevent obesity.
We’ve researched to find the best food for Akitas. Here are our top picks for 2024.
Research
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Assessed
Picks
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Taste of the Wild: Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
– The Paw Paw Pick –
CANIDAE PURE Real Duck Dry Dog Food
- Made with 8 real food ingredients for simple, complete nutrition.
- Grain-free and free of soy, wheat, corn and other fillers for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- Fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dog Food
- Made from fresh, human-grade meat & vegetables
- Vet-formulated to exceed AAFCO standards
- Four recipe options made in USDA-approved kitchens
- Two week trial plan available
- Free shipping & edit your subscription any time
Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
- Developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for your growing guy.
- Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains.
- Supported by omega fatty acids—like DHA— essential vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine and probiotics.
Instinct: Raw Boost
ORIJEN Dog Food
- Developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for your growing guy.
- Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains.
- Supported by omega fatty acids—like DHA— essential vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine and probiotics.
CANIDAE PURE Real Duck Dry Dog Food
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Overview
When you’re picking out the best food for your Akita, we highly recommend the CANIDAE PURE 1590 Real Duck Dry Dog Food. This particular dog food stands out for its top-notch quality. Why, you ask? Well, it all starts with its primary ingredient: real duck. Not just any duck, but real, wholesome duck. Right after that, you’ve got a duck meal and turkey meal, which means your furry friend gets an extra dose of animal-based protein.
This dog food is grain-free, which means it doesn’t contain any of those grains like corn, soy, or wheat. This makes it a solid choice, especially if your pup happens to have some food sensitivities.
But wait, there’s more! This dog food doesn’t stop at protein; it’s got some extra goodies too. You see, it’s loaded with probiotics and antioxidants. That’s like a one-two punch for your dog’s digestion and immunity. Plus, there’s something called omega fatty acids in there, which work their magic to keep your pup’s skin healthy and their coat shiny.
Now, we’ve got to be honest with you. This dog food does cost a bit more than some others out there. And here’s the other thing – a few pet owners have mentioned that despite the limited ingredients, their dogs had some tummy trouble after chowing down on it.
Still, even with those considerations, we firmly believe that this is some of the best dog food for Akitas available this year. It’s got the quality and nutrition that your Akita deserves, and that’s what matters most. So, when you’re thinking about the Best Dog Food for Akita, don’t forget to consider CANIDAE PURE 1590 Real Duck Dry Dog Food.
Pros
- Limited ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities
- Made in the U.S.
- Features plenty of animal protein
- Formulated with antioxidants and fatty acids
Cons
- Subject to grain-free scrutiny
- May cause stomach upset
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Dog Food
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Feeding a big dog can put a dent in your wallet, no doubt about it. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best dog food for Akitas that won’t break the bank, let us introduce you to the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food. It’s a smart choice when you want to balance your budget with your dog’s nutritional needs.
Now, you might wonder why this one’s great. Well, first off, it’s tailor-made for large breeds like Akitas. That’s important because big dogs need special attention, especially when it comes to their joints. This kibble is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin, two mighty helpers that keep those joints in tip-top shape.
And here’s the best part: the first thing you’ll see on the ingredient list is meat. Yep, meat takes the spotlight here. Your dog is getting most of their protein from animal sources, which is exactly what you want.
Some versions of this dry dog food have chicken and chicken by-products. If your dog’s got some food sensitivities, make sure to check the ingredients carefully. And hey, just like with any food, there’s a chance that it might not agree with every dog’s tummy. So, keep an eye out for any tummy grumbles.
If you’re looking for the Best Dog Food for Akitas that’s budget-friendly yet nutritious, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food fits the bill. Your Akita can enjoy a hearty meal without you having to empty your wallet.
Pros
- Affordable but still high-quality
- Specifically designed for large breeds
- The primary protein source is meat
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Some flavors include chicken
- May trigger digestive issues in some dogs
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Food
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Making sure your growing Akita puppy gets the right nutrition is crucial, just as it is for adult dogs. When it comes to finding the best puppy food tailored to this breed, one of our top picks is the Wellness Complete Health Natural Puppy Food. Here’s why it stands out:
It puts chicken in the spotlight as the very first ingredient. And guess what? You won’t find any corn, soy, wheat, or artificial ingredients lurking in there. It’s all about keeping it natural and wholesome.
It’s designed with large breed puppies like Akitas in mind. That means it’s loaded with DHA, a little something that’s super important for their developing brains and eyes. Plus, it’s got just the right balance of calories, calcium, and other essential nutrients. This helps prevent those sudden growth spurts that can be a concern for Akitas and other big breeds. And, to top it off, the kibble size is larger, making it easier for your pup to chew and helping them avoid the habit of gobbling down their food too quickly.
Some pet owners have mentioned that this formula can sometimes lead to tummy troubles, causing diarrhea and other digestive issues. And a few folks thought the protein content was a bit on the low side, especially for larger breeds.
While the Wellness Complete Health Natural Puppy Food has some fantastic features, it’s not without its drawbacks. But when it comes to finding the Best Dog Food for Akita, this one’s a contender for your Akita pup.
Pros
- Designed for large breed puppies
- Lists chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains DHA and other key nutrients for development
- Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Frequently causes stomach upset
- Protein content is low compared to other formulas
- Not filling enough for some dogs
ORIJEN Dog Food
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When it comes to your Akita’s nutrition, it’s not just about their puppy days; it’s also about their golden years. A purebred Akita can live up to a hearty 13 years on average, so choosing the right food for their senior stage is crucial for those precious last moments with your faithful companion. If you’re in search of a top-notch senior dog food, we highly recommend ORIJEN Senior High-Protein Adult Dry Dog Food.
This formula is like a protein party for your senior pup, featuring an array of whole protein sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. ORIJEN proudly claims that a whopping 85% of this product comes from animal sources. And it doesn’t stop at just meat – it includes muscle, organ, bone, and cartilage, covering all the nutritional bases your dog needs as they age gracefully.
Now, let’s keep it real here – not every dog is a fan of this recipe. Some picky eaters might turn their noses up at it. And there’s another thing to consider: the protein content. For some dogs, it might be a bit too much to handle digestion-wise.
This high-quality dog food does come at a premium cost per pound compared to some other options.
But when you think about those precious extra years you could spend with your Akita, it might just be worth the investment. ORIJEN Senior High-Protein Adult Dry Dog Food is a great choice for ensuring your aging Akita enjoys their senior years with the utmost vitality and health. Just be mindful of your dog’s preferences and budget when making the choice.
Pros
- Very high in protein
- Designed for aging senior dogs
- Includes multiple whole animal protein sources
- Manufactured in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Many dogs dislike the taste
- May cause digestive issues
- Protein content is too high for some dogs
- Very expensive compared to other options
Choosing the Best Food for Akitas
When it comes to picking the best dog food for Akita, a few important factors should guide your decision. First and foremost, consider your dog’s age. If you have an Akita puppy, it’s crucial to opt for puppy food specially designed for large-breed puppies. This type of food is tailored to ensure that your puppy’s body grows and develops correctly for the unique needs of a big dog. Remember that Akitas can continue growing for up to 2 years, so some may require puppy food for a bit longer than others. It’s wise to have a chat with your vet to determine the best time for transitioning to adult dog food.
Think about your dog’s current weight and overall body condition. If your Akita is carrying extra pounds or falls into the overweight or obese category, they might benefit from weight loss food. This type of food is formulated to help your dog feel full and satisfied between meals, making the weight loss journey smoother for both you and your furry companion. It’s essential to keep in mind that excess weight can take a toll on any dog’s health, but it can be especially tough on the joints and internal organs of large breed dogs.
Consider your dog’s activity level. Dogs with a regular level of activity usually do well on standard dog food. If your Akita is an active powerhouse, spending more than 2 hours a day engaged in high-energy activities, a high-energy diet might be in order. Conversely, dogs with a more sedentary lifestyle may require low-calorie food to help them maintain a healthy body weight. Tailoring the food to your dog’s activity level ensures they get the right amount of nutrition to stay happy and healthy.
