In Overview: Best Dog Food For Shiba Inu
Hey Shiba Inu enthusiasts!
Ready to discover the ideal nutrition for your Shiba Inu? With the help of RCVS Certified Veterinary Advisor, Alex Crowe, we’ve curated the finest options for the Best Dog Food for Shiba Inus.
Ensure your spirited and independent companion flourishes with nutrition tailored to support their unique personality and overall well-being!
Research
Vetted
Assessed
Picks
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Taste of the Wild: Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
– The Paw Paw Pick –
Wild Earth Maintenance Formula Dog Food​
- Made with ancient grains, healthy fibers and plant-based proteins.
- High-quality, sustainable plant proteins.
- For dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food
- Each JustFoodForDogs variety box features four of their most popular, whole food recipes—see which one your pup likes best!
- Formulated to support your dog’s overall health, including improved digestion, healthier skin and a shinier coat, increased energy, easier weight management and more excitement at mealtime.
- Crafted with 100% fresh, human-grade ingredients and no fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT or artificial colorings.
Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
Iams Proactive Health Puppy Food​
- This puppy food is formulated to support the nutritional needs of growing puppies.
- Features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient.
- Premium-sourced protein helps your pup develop strong muscles.
- Features 22 key nutrients—like the ones your puppy would find in her mother’s milk.
Instinct: Raw Boost
Blue Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food​
- Made in the USA!
- Made from real, high-quality chicken.
- Specifically formulated to provide a hearty meal without excess calories from fat to help promote a healthy body weight.
- Features antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- Free from chicken and poultry byproduct meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors and preservatives!
Royal Canin - Gel Canned
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Overview
Wild Earth Maintenance Formula Golden Rotisserie Flavor Plant-Based Dog Dry Food is expertly developed by veterinarians, animal food scientists and nutritionists to have everything your Shiba needs in a plant-based package. With the right mix of ingredients and an irresistible taste, your Shiba will receive targeted nutrition that can help keep their gut regular, skin healthy and coat soft. Plus, it comes in a drool-worthy Classic Roast flavor!
Pros
- Made with ancient grains, healthy fibers and plant-based proteins.
- High-quality, sustainable plant proteins.
- For dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
- Makes a good addition to dry dog food
Cons
- Not all dogs like this food.
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Wet Dog Food
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Great for puppies and adult dogs, this recipe is high in calcium and phosphorus, which help promote healthy bone and tissue growth. And since JustFoodForDogs’ meals are frozen, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are completely free from preservatives and other harmful materials.
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from venison. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat, and 39.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, JustFoodForDog’s fresh frozen meals are free from fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT, or artificial coloring.
Pros
- Crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients.
- Great for active, underweight, or picky Dogs.
- Nothing artificial.
Cons
- Some dogs don't like it.
Iams Proactive Health Puppy Food
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Our recommendation for Shiba Inu puppies is IAMS Proactive Health Dry Dog Food. It’s specially made with 22 essential ingredients that mirror those found in a mother dog’s milk. With real, farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient, it offers high-quality protein for the growth of your Shiba Inu puppy, making it the best dog food for Shiba Inu.
This food also includes omega-3 DHA, which supports healthy cognitive development and eyesight. Also, it’s free from wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients, making sure that you can confidently provide your dog with the best dog food for Shiba Inu puppies.
It’s worth noting that some dogs may experience digestive issues with this food, possibly due to the artificial caramel coloring it contains, which can be a stomach irritant for certain dogs.
Pros
- Real, farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- Includes 22 key ingredients that are found in mother dog’s milk
- Promotes healthy cognition with omega-3 DHA
- No wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives
Cons
- Can cause digestive upset
- Contains an artificial caramel color
Blue Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet Dog Food
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for Shiba Inu with high-quality chicken as its main ingredient. This formula is specifically made to help Shiba Inu maintain a healthy weight, which is particularly beneficial for a breed that’s prone to weight issues.
The food is enriched with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all essential for your dog’s overall health. Also, the kibble size is well-suited for smaller jaws, making it convenient for your Shiba Inu.
There are some considerations to keep in mind. This formula is grain-free, which has raised concerns because the FDA is currently investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and heart issues in dogs. Some dogs may also experience digestive problems with this food. Also, it contains sweet potatoes, which may not align with the overall health of some dogs.
Pros
- High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
- This food contains a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Small-bite kibble for smaller jaws
Cons
- Can be problematic
- Can cause digestive upset
- Contains sweet potatoes, which might not be good for a dog’s health
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Ideal Shiba Inu Dog Food
When it comes to finding the best dog food for Shiba Inu, there’s a lot to mull over. These spirited dogs are known for their energy, yet they can be prone to packing on extra pounds. What you need is a high-quality dog food, one that boasts important protein content while keeping carbohydrates in check. To help you in this search, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for you to choose the best dog food for Shiba Inu.
Choosing the Right Protein Source
When it comes to selecting the best dog food for your Shiba Inu, the key lies in the source of protein. Whole meats should take the spotlight in your choice. While some dog foods might use meat meal and byproducts as their main protein source, it’s wise to steer clear of these options. They often include undesirable animal parts like hooves and hair. It’s important to note that byproducts aren’t entirely undesirable; they can contain valuable organ meats, a rich source of essential iron.
Navigating Carbohydrates with Whole Grains
Shiba Inus are predisposed to weight gain, making it important to minimize their carbohydrate intake. Look for dog food that doesn’t rely heavily on corn products, as whole grains tend to have lower carbohydrate levels, making them the best dog food for Shiba Inu.
Nurturing Skin and Coat with Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are pivotal for maintaining your Shiba Inu’s skin and coat in a good condition. These dogs are often susceptible to allergies, and food rich in healthy fats can help keep their fur shiny and thick. Fats provide a steady, enduring source of energy for your active Shiba Inu.
Steering Clear of Artificial Additives
Many dog foods resort to fillers like corn and wheat, which provide empty calories with minimal nutritional value. It’s better to choose dog food devoid of artificial flavors or preservatives, especially considering Shiba Inu’s propensity for allergies. The fewer the ingredients, the better.
Embracing Nutrients and Supplements
Dog foods that incorporate fruits and vegetables are particularly advantageous for Shiba Inus, as they are a great source of fiber. This not only helps weight management but also promotes healthy digestion. Look for dog food enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, as these ingredients support joint and cartilage health. Also, probiotics are a welcome inclusion, guaranteeing overall digestive health.
