Best Dog Food for Shiba Inu: Top Picks for Optimal Health and Nutrition

Shiba Inus are a unique breed of dog that originated in Japan. They are known for their small size, pointed ears, and curly tails. These dogs are energetic, intelligent, and loyal, making them a popular choice for many families. However, finding the best dog food for your Shiba Inu can be challenging.

When it comes to choosing the right dog food for your Shiba Inu, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the food is high-quality and provides all the necessary nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. Additionally, you want to choose a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

Another important factor to consider when choosing dog food for your Shiba Inu is the ingredients. Shiba Inus can be prone to allergies, so it’s essential to choose a food that is free from common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. You also want to look for a food that is high in protein and low in fat, as Shiba Inus can be prone to weight gain.

After researching and testing various dog foods, we have identified the best options for your Shiba Inu. These foods are high-quality, nutrient-dense, and free from common allergens. We have also taken into consideration your dog’s unique needs, such as their age and activity level, to ensure that you are providing them with the best possible nutrition.

In the following sections, we will take a closer look at each of our top picks and explain why they are the best choice for your Shiba Inu.

Best Dog Food for Shiba Inu

As dog owners, we know how important it is to provide our furry friends with the best nutrition possible. When it comes to Shiba Inus, a breed known for their high energy and playful nature, it’s crucial to find a dog food that not only meets their nutritional needs but also keeps them satisfied throughout the day. After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog food options for Shiba Inus. These products are made with high-quality ingredients, provide balanced nutrition, and are sure to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Healthy Breeds Shiba Inu Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe

If you’re looking for a gentle and effective shampoo for your Shiba Inu, Healthy Breeds Oatmeal -amp; Aloe Shampoo is a great option.

Pros

• The oatmeal and aloe formula provides relief for itchy, scaling, and sensitive skin.
• The hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with topical flea control treatments.
• The Pina Colada scent leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean.

Cons

• Some users may not like the Pina Colada scent.
• The shampoo may not lather as well as other shampoos.
• It may not work as well on extremely dirty or greasy coats.

We’ve used this shampoo on our own Shiba Inu and have been impressed with the results. The oatmeal and aloe formula helped to relieve our dog’s dry and itchy skin, leaving his coat clean, smooth, and manageable. The shampoo is also safe to use with topical flea control treatments, which is a plus.

The Pina Colada scent is a nice touch, but some users may not like it. However, we found that it left our dog smelling fresh and clean for days after his bath.

One thing to note is that the shampoo may not lather as well as other shampoos, which may make it harder to distribute evenly throughout your dog’s coat. Additionally, if your dog is extremely dirty or greasy, you may need to use more shampoo or give them multiple baths to get them clean.

Overall, we would recommend Healthy Breeds Oatmeal -amp; Aloe Shampoo for Shiba Inus with dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. It’s a gentle and effective option that will leave your dog smelling and feeling great.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Chicken Dry Dog Food, 30 lbs.

If you’re looking for a dog food that provides your Shiba Inu with the right balance of nutrients to keep them healthy and happy, Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great option.

Pros

• This dog food uses high quality, easy-to-digest ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of your full-grown dog.
• Helps maintain a beautiful skin and a healthy coat by providing a precise balance of omega-6 -amp; vitamin E.
• Packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion for your fully grown dog.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food.
• This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions.
• This dog food may be more expensive than other options.

We’ve been using Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Chicken Dry Dog Food for our Shiba Inu for a few months now and have been impressed with the results. Our dog has more energy and has maintained a healthy weight since switching to this food. We also noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s coat and skin health.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it uses high quality, easy-to-digest ingredients to fuel the specific energy needs of our Shiba Inu. We also appreciate that it is packed with natural fibers to promote healthy digestion. We’ve noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s overall digestive health since switching to this food.

While our dog seems to love the taste of this food, we have heard from other dog owners that their dogs may not like the taste. Additionally, this dog food may not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions. Finally, this dog food may be more expensive than other options, which could be a concern for some pet owners.

Overall, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat or Soy Chicken Dry Dog Food for Shiba Inu owners looking for a high quality dog food that will keep their pets healthy and happy.

Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food

We highly recommend Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food as it is a wholesome and natural kibble that helps maintain lean muscle mass and energy levels in adult dogs.

Pros

• The real deboned chicken is always the first ingredient in this premium grain-free kibble, made with real food ingredients to deliver balanced nutrition for adult dogs.
• This chicken dog food features a holistic blend of 57% protein and healthy fat ingredients to maintain lean muscle mass and energy levels, with 43% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients.
• Merrick dog food delivers 81% of protein from animal sources, providing high protein levels, and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this chicken and sweet potato recipe.
• The kibble size may be too big for some small dogs.
• The price is higher compared to other dog food brands.

We have been using Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food for our Shiba Inu for the past few months and have seen a noticeable improvement in his coat and overall health. The high protein content and added vitamins and minerals have helped him maintain healthy muscle tissue and energy levels. Additionally, the leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs have helped maintain his healthy hips and joints.

The wholesome grain-free real meat recipe contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat, and the absence of corn, wheat, soy, gluten, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives makes it a healthy choice for our furry friend. We appreciate that Merrick dog food recipes are crafted in their Hereford, TX kitchen and cooked in the USA.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and fiber, and free from artificial ingredients, Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food is an excellent choice for your Shiba Inu.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a premium dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition for your small breed adult dog, then NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food is the way to go. Our dogs have been eating this food for years, and they love it. Plus, we love that it’s made with high-quality ingredients and provides all the nutrients our furry friends need to stay healthy and happy.

Pros

• Features trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon—chicken is the #1 ingredient—specially formulated for small breed adult dogs
• Provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl
• Made with high-quality ingredients carefully sourced from trusted farmers and suppliers

Cons

• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands

We appreciate that NUTRO ULTRA Dry Dog Food is made with high-quality ingredients and that the company sources from trusted farmers and suppliers, prepares only in trusted facilities, and rigorously tests for quality and food safety. We also like that the food doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, nor does it use ingredients like chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein.

Our dogs enjoy the trio of protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon, and we feel good knowing that they’re getting complete and balanced nutrition in every bowl. However, we do acknowledge that some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food, and that the price point may be higher than some other dog food brands.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food to any small breed adult dog owner looking for a premium dog food that provides complete and balanced nutrition.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Blend High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Red Meat Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag

If you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that will satisfy your Shiba Inu’s wild side, Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Blend dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; the flavor and nutrition of raw is in every bite with freeze-dried raw coating, plus freeze-dried raw chunks
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Red Meat Recipe includes six poultry-free animal protein sources: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison and goat
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 90% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, organ meat and cartilage

Cons

• Some reviewers have noted that there aren’t many raw chunks in the kibble
• The price point may be higher than some other dog foods on the market
• The kibble may be too hard for some dogs to chew

We recently tried Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend with our Shiba Inu and were impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the protein-rich taste. Our dog seemed to really enjoy the flavor and the freeze-dried raw chunks were a nice touch.

One thing to note is that the kibble can be quite hard, so it may not be suitable for dogs with dental issues or those who have trouble chewing. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other dog foods on the market, but we believe the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that will satisfy your Shiba Inu’s wild side, we highly recommend giving Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Raw Blend a try.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 30 lb. Bag 30 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is made with real ingredients and packed with nutrients, NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food is a great option. Our experience with this product has been overwhelmingly positive, and we highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-tier dog food.

Pros

• Made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient
• Features a trio of high-quality proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon
• Contains a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries

Cons

• May be too expensive for some budgets
• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs

We have been using NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in our dog’s coat, energy levels, and overall health. The high-quality proteins and superfoods help to nourish our dog’s body and keep him feeling his best.

One of the things we love most about this product is that it is made with real ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. We feel good knowing that we are feeding our dog a high-quality, nutrient-rich food that is free from harmful additives.

Another great feature of this product is the trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon. This provides our dog with a well-rounded source of protein that helps him to maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food to anyone looking for a top-quality dog food that is made with real ingredients and packed with nutrients. While it may be a bit pricey for some budgets, we feel that the benefits are well worth the investment.

ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

If you’re looking for a nutritious and high-quality dog food for your Shiba Inu, ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food is a great option that we highly recommend.

Pros

• The air-dried method of preserving food retains nutrients and maximizes flavor, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
• Made up of 96% fresh meat, organs, and bones, as well as superfoods including green mussels, organic kelp, and green tripe, with no peas, legumes, or potatoes included.
• Ethically and sustainably sourced meats and seafoods from New Zealand’s free-range farms and pristine blue waters, with no added hormones, antibiotics, or growth promotants.

Cons

• More expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of air-dried food.
• Not suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions, such as those who cannot tolerate lamb.

We have been using ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for our Shiba Inu for several months now and have been very pleased with the results. Our dog loves the taste and eagerly eats every meal, and we have noticed improvements in his coat, digestion, and overall health. The air-dried method of preserving the food means that it is safe and clean to handle, and we appreciate that it contains no artificial fillers or preservatives. While it is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market, we feel that the high-quality ingredients and ethical sourcing make it worth the investment. Overall, we highly recommend ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food for any Shiba Inu owner looking for a nutritious and delicious food option for their furry friend.

Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Ocean Recipe, 3.5 lb. Bag Ocean Recipe 3.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

We highly recommend purchasing Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Ocean Recipe for your Shiba Inu. This product is packed with responsibly sourced, animal-based protein from multiple meat sources and then coated with freeze-dried raw meat. This provides a protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve. With low carbohydrates and no fillers, legumes, artificial colors, flavor, or preservatives, these recipes will feed your dogs’ wild side.

Pros

• Love Is Raw: Our Raw Coated dog food offers the protein-rich taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve; each bite is coated in delicious and nutritious freeze-dried raw meat.
• Feed Your Dog’s Wild Side! Our Ocean Recipe includes six fish protein sources that your dog will sure love: trout, whitefish, salmon, cod, mackerel, and herring — perfect for dogs with poultry allergies.
• Whole Prey Ingredients: Feeding your pet a diet similar to what their ancestors enjoyed in the wild helps your pet thrive; 86% of the recipe’s protein comes from animal muscle meat, cartilage, and organ meat.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food brands.
• Some customers reported that the kibble doesn’t really appear to be raw coated like the pictures advertise.
• Short expiry date.

We’ve been using this product for our Shiba Inu for a few months now, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in her coat and overall health. The high protein content and freeze-dried raw meat coating make this product a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Additionally, the product is grain-free, making it easy for dogs of all life stages to digest.

One downside of this product is that it is more expensive compared to other dog food brands. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price. Additionally, some customers reported that the kibble doesn’t really appear to be raw coated like the pictures advertise. Lastly, it’s important to note that the product has a short expiry date, so make sure to check the expiration date before purchasing.

Overall, we highly recommend Stella -amp; Chewy’s Wild Red Dry Dog Food Raw Coated High Protein Grain -amp; Legume Free Ocean Recipe for your Shiba Inu. The product is crafted in the USA using responsibly sourced, premium ingredients and a small-batch production process in all our recipes. Plus, they offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Pet Jerky Factory Premium Dog Treats

If you’re looking for a healthy, all-natural dog treat that your furry friend will love, then you should definitely consider Pet Jerky Factory Premium Dog Treats.

Pros

• Made with 100% human-grade, USDA-approved ingredients
• No preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
• Soft and tender texture that’s easy to break into bite-sized pieces

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog treats
• Some dogs may not like the taste of turkey and pumpkin
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried these treats with our Shiba Inu and were impressed with the quality and taste. The turkey and pumpkin flavor is a unique combination that our dog really enjoyed, and we felt good knowing that the ingredients were all-natural and made in the USA.

The soft and tender texture of the treats made them easy to break into smaller pieces, which was great for training and rewarding good behavior. We also appreciated that the treats were grain-free and gluten-free, which is important for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The only downside to these treats is that they are on the expensive side compared to other dog treats on the market. Additionally, some dogs may not like the taste of turkey and pumpkin, so it may not be the best choice for picky eaters. Finally, if your dog has certain dietary restrictions, you should check with your vet before giving them these treats.

Overall, we would definitely recommend Pet Jerky Factory Premium Dog Treats to anyone looking for a high-quality, all-natural dog treat that their furry friend will love.

Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food

If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious dog food for your Shiba Inu that is also designed to help with weight management, then Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With real chicken as the first ingredient, this dry dog food is made with premium quality, natural ingredients that are free from chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat or soy.
• The formula is specifically designed to provide a satisfying meal without excessive calories from fat, making it ideal for small breed dogs that require a higher metabolism and weight management support.
• The inclusion of exclusive antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits provides a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune system health, life stage needs, and a healthy oxidative balance.

Cons

• Some customers have noted that their dogs did not like the taste of the food, although this is a subjective opinion that varies from dog to dog.
• The kibble size may be too small for some dogs, particularly those with larger mouths.
• The price point may be higher than some other dog food brands on the market.

Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food is a high-quality, balanced recipe that is designed to provide your Shiba Inu with all the essential nutrients they need to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. We have found that this dog food is an excellent choice for small breed dogs that require weight management support, and the inclusion of LifeSource Bits provides an added boost of immunity-boosting nutrients. Overall, we highly recommend giving this dog food a try if you are looking for a nutritious and healthy option for your furry friend.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Shiba Inu, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting the best product:

Ingredients

The ingredients in your Shiba Inu’s food are crucial to their overall health and well-being. Look for products that have high-quality protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers or by-products, as they offer little nutritional value. Also, make sure the food contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Calcium.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of your Shiba Inu’s food is another critical factor to consider. Look for products that meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, which ensure that the food is nutritionally complete and balanced. This means that the food contains all the necessary nutrients that your Shiba Inu needs to thrive.

Age and Activity Level

Your Shiba Inu’s age and activity level will also play a role in the type of food you choose. Puppies and young dogs require more calories and nutrients than adult dogs, while senior dogs may need a lower calorie diet. Similarly, highly active dogs will need more calories than sedentary dogs.

Allergies and Sensitivities

If your Shiba Inu has allergies or sensitivities, it’s essential to choose a food that won’t trigger a reaction. Look for products that are labeled as hypoallergenic or that are specifically formulated for dogs with allergies. You can also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your Shiba Inu’s unique needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best dog food for your Shiba Inu, ensuring that they receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended diet for a Shiba Inu with food allergies?

If your Shiba Inu has food allergies, we recommend consulting with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action. In general, a limited ingredient diet with a single source of protein and carbohydrate may be recommended. There are also prescription diets available for dogs with food allergies.

Which brand of wet food is considered optimal for Shiba Inu puppies?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different puppies may have different nutritional needs. However, we recommend looking for wet food that is specifically formulated for puppies, and that contains high-quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, or fish. It’s also important to choose a wet food that is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Are there any specific human foods that are safe for Shiba Inus to consume?

While there are some human foods that are safe for dogs to consume in moderation, it’s important to remember that dogs have different nutritional needs than humans. Some safe human foods for Shiba Inus include cooked chicken, turkey, and fish, as well as fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and green beans. However, it’s important to avoid feeding your dog foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions.

How should I approach creating a homemade diet for my Shiba Inu?

If you’re interested in creating a homemade diet for your Shiba Inu, we recommend consulting with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s nutritional needs are being met. Homemade diets can be time-consuming to prepare and may not provide all of the necessary nutrients that your dog needs, so it’s important to do your research and work closely with a professional.

What are the dietary foods that should be avoided for Shiba Inus?

There are several foods that should be avoided when feeding your Shiba Inu, including chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and avocados. Additionally, some dogs may be sensitive to certain grains or proteins, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s reaction to different foods and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect that your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity.

Is feeding raw meat to Shiba Inus recommended by canine nutrition experts?

There is no consensus among canine nutrition experts about the safety and health benefits of feeding raw meat to dogs. While some proponents of raw diets argue that they are more natural and provide a range of health benefits, others argue that they can be dangerous due to the risk of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. We recommend consulting with a veterinarian before feeding your Shiba Inu a raw diet.