Have a Shiba Inu in need of eats? Overwhelmed with all the options on the market, or don't know where to start? We've got you covered!
From allergies to joint concerns, these cute Japanese canines have health concerns that the right diet can address.
How to Choose Food for Your Shiba Inus
Understanding common health problems in your dog’s breed is crucial before shopping for the right food. While relatively healthy, the Shiba Inu is known for some issues that may influence your dog food selection.
Here are some qualities to look for in your Shiba Inu's food that may help with common breed concerns:
- Limited Ingredients: Shiba Inus are prone to food sensitivities and allergies, leading to sensitive stomachs and skin issues. Look for dog food formulated for sensitive systems, with easily digestible ingredients and limited potential allergens.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Shiba Inus are at risk of hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, which can impact your pup’s mobility. Opt for dog food containing joint-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, aiding cartilage regeneration and slowing wear and tear on connective tissues.
- Crunchy Texture: Shiba Inus are susceptible to dental issues like periodontal disease and tooth decay. Choosing a dog food with a larger kibble size or crunchy texture may help reduce plaque buildup and promote healthier teeth - but don't forget the importance of regular toothbrushing.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Look for dog food that contains omega-3 fatty acids that support a shiny coat and skin health - an area of concern in Shibas, who sometimes suffer from dry, itchy skin. A dog food with ingredients like fish or flaxseed oil can provide these essential fats.
- Calorie-Conscious: Shiba Inus tend to gain weight easily, putting unnecessary stress on your pup’s joints. Selecting a dog food formula for weight management, with controlled calorie content and a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, can help your Shiba Inu maintain a healthy weight if he's prone to packing on pounds.
Always consult your veterinarian for personalized food recommendations based on your Shiba Inu's specific needs.
The 9 Best Foods for Shiba Inus
Now that we know what to look for in your Shiba Inu's food, we can look at the best options on the market. Check out these top-notch contenders for your four-footer's food bowl.
1. Nom Nom - Best Overall Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: When it comes to providing high-quality, personalized nutrition for your Shiba, Nom Nom is a brand that stands out from the pack! With a focus on fresh, expert-backed recipes and sustainably sourced ingredients, Nom Nom can satisfy your pup’s taste buds and your eco-friendly aspirations.
First Five Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Eggs, Carrots, & Spinach
Features:
- Crafted with Care and Expertise: Nom Nom's recipes are thoughtfully crafted by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, ensuring your Shiba Inu receives optimal nutrition for nose-to-tail health.
- Quality You Can Count On: When sourcing ingredients, Nom Nom goes the extra mile, prioritizing quality and safety by using only ingredients sourced from the United States.
- Preserving Taste: Nom Nom uses gentle cooking methods that heat food to food-safe temperatures without sacrificing flavor.
- A Protein-Rich Foundation: Nom Nom's recipes start with a whole protein source, providing your Shiba Inu with the essential energy and nutrients he needs to thrive.
- Personalized Just for Your Pup: Nom Nom offers custom-crafted meals that consider any allergies or specific health concerns your dog may have, tailoring his meals to his unique requirements.
2. Wellness Complete Health - Best Dry Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice for Shiba Inu owners looking for kibble, as this crunchy goodness offers options that cater to the unique needs of almost every dog. High-quality protein is the main ingredient, followed by healthy produce, providing essential fiber and nutrients without corn, soy, wheat, or meat by-products.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, & Peas
Features:
- Joint-Friendly: Wellness Complete Health contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and fatty acids that aid in canine joint health, an area of concern for older Shiba Inus and active pups who may need extra TLC after a vigorous day of play.
- Belly-Boosting Probiotics: Wellness Complete Health boasts a mix of probiotics that promote healthy digestion for your Shiba Inu, suiting sniffers with a sensitive tummy or recovering from an illness.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Real produce in Wellness Complete Health packs a punch of antioxidants that give your Shiba's immune system a helping hand.
- Made in the USA: Wellness Complete Health is produced in the USA with ingredients sourced from global suppliers who meet strict quality requirements.
- Safety Comes First: All Wellness manufacturing facilities meet the highest grade of AA for food safety on the BRC audit scale, with every batch of raw materials and finished products undergoing meticulous checks to ensure the absence of mold and other harmful pathogens.
3. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Canned - Best Canned Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe offers a tasty mix of real meat, nutrient-rich liver, fresh produce, and grains. Best of all, its soft and smooth pâté texture is easy for any Shiba to eat, including seniors or those with dental concerns.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots, & Peas
Features:
- Meat-Foward Recipe: With real meat as the leading ingredient, Blue Buffalo Homestyle ensures that your Shiba Inu receives the necessary protein for lean muscle development and tissue repair.
- Limited Allergens: This formula is free of common sensitivity triggers, including corn, soy, wheat, by-products, and artificial flavors and preservatives.
- Packed with Produce: This meaty blend is rich in garden vegetables such as carrots and peas, offering natural sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Plenty of Protein Options: Blue Buffalo Homestyle provides a range of proteins to choose from, including Chicken, Beef, Lamb, and Turkey Meatloaf flavors for variety and meeting your mutt's dietary needs.
- American Made: Blue Buffalo is made in the USA using globally sourced ingredients that undergo strict quality and safety inspections.
4. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice - Most Affordable Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Looking for a budget-friendly dog food that doesn't skimp on quality? Look no further than Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice, a kibble made with premium ingredients and awesome extras for snout-to-tail health without potentially problematic inclusions, like artificial colors and flavors, that may upset your Shiba's system.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, & Cracked Pearled Barley
Features:
- Protein Comes First: Diamond Naturals uses real chicken and chicken meal to deliver the goods your Shiba needs for lean muscle development.
- Rich in Probiotics: This kibble is packed with antioxidants, ensuring your Shiba Inu's immune system operates at peak efficiency.
- Made in America: Diamond Naturals is made with love right here in the USA by a family-owned company using global ingredients from trusted suppliers.
- Fatty-Acid Forward: The omega-3s in this recipe support a lustrous coat and promote healthy skin, letting your Shiba Inu strut his stuff while looking and feeling his best.
- Stomach-Supporting Probiotics: A blend of probiotics gives your Shiba Inu's digestive system a helping hand.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy - Best Puppy Food for Shiba Inus
About: Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe is specially crafted to give your growing Shiba Inu a complete diet for proper growth. This kibble is packed with lean protein, wholesome grains, and nourishing fats to support your furry friend's overall development.
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Brewers Rice, & Whole Grain Brown Rice
Features:
- Rich in Omega-3s: Nutro Natural Choice includes eye and brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, that may also benefit your Shiba Inu puppy's skin and coat.
- Free of Common Allergens: This puppy kibble doesn't contain common allergy triggers like corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meal that may upset sensitive systems.
- Non-GMO Ingredients: Nutro is committed to using non-GMO ingredients - a rarity in the dog food world.
- Contains Real Produce: Nutro prioritizes natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants by incorporating ingredients like dried spinach, kale, and coconut.
- Made in America: Nutro is proudly made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.
6. Merrick Healthy Grains Senior - Best Senior Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Merrick Healthy Grains Senior is an excellent choice for your Shiba Inu during his golden years with its protein-forward recipe of real meat, grains, and quinoa. It also contains real fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots for natural sources of fiber, vitamins, and flavor.
First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, & Barley
Features:
- Free of Potatoes and Legumes: This senior recipe doesn't contain potatoes or legumes - controversial ingredients that trigger allergies in some doggos and may be linked to canine cardiac issues.
- Contains Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil support your Shiba's coat from the inside out.
- Joint-Supportive Ingredients: Glucosamine and chondroitin help nourish your aging Shiba Inu's joints, ensuring he's moving and grooving comfortably.
- Digestion-Friendly Probiotics: A blend of probiotics promotes healthy digestion, an area of concern for many senior sniffers.
- American-Made: Merrick Healthy Grains Senior is made in the United States using globally sourced ingredients.
7. Natural Balance LID with Grains - Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Featuring a concise ingredient list and a novel protein source, Natural Balance LID with Grains is an excellent match for Shiba Inus with food allergies or intolerances. This kibble also contains omega-3s, healthy fats that support your Shiba's skin and coat.
First Five Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, & Rice Bran
Features:
- Cardiac Care: Added taurine supports optimal heart health in canines.
- Skips Common Sensitivity Triggers: This kibble excludes soy, gluten, artificial colors, and flavors to focus on what matters - the best nutrition without unnecessary additives.
- Meat is Always #1: Real meat takes center stage in each recipe, with options ranging from common proteins like chicken and beef to unique choices like duck or salmon.
- Safety Comes First: Natural Balance prioritizes safety above all else, with each batch of food undergoing rigorous testing at multiple points during production, giving you peace of mind knowing that your Shiba Inu is eating from a trustworthy source.
- Made in the USA: Natural Balance is manufactured in the USA with globally sourced ingredients from trusted suppliers.
8. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach - Best Dog Food for Shiba Inus with Skin Issues
About: Designed specially to tackle tummy troubles and skin woes, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach ensures a high-quality diet without common allergens found in most kibbles, like corn, wheat, or soy. Its carefully chosen mix of ingredients includes fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, proven to promote skin and coat health.
First Five Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, & Canola Meal
Features:
- Good Source of Protein: Choose from salmon or turkey-based recipes, with these novel meats offering plenty of protein for lean muscle development in your Shiba Inu.
- Gut-Friendly Formula: Prebiotics and probiotics promote healthier canine digestion, encouraging firmer, healthier stools.
- Grain-Inclusive Recipe: Rice offers fiber, energy, and satiety while avoiding the potential hazards of grain-free diets.
- Immune Support: Added antioxidants boost your Shiba Inu's immune system, benefiting Shibas with allergies and other intolerances.
- Joint-Nourishing Ingredients: Glucosamine boosters your four-footer's frame from the inside out.
9. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie - Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Shiba Inus
About: Fuel your Shiba Inu's adventurous spirit with the tasty blend of roasted bison and venison in the Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie, a protein-rich recipe that also features water buffalo, lamb, and chicken meal. Grain-free, it powers your pooch with alternative carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes and peas, suiting sniffers with diagnosed grain allergies.
First Five Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, & Peas
Features:
- Delicious Flavor: A meaty ingredient list makes for a mouthwatering flavor and taste even the pickiest pups are usually willing to try.
- Loaded with Produce: Packed with a range of fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, peas, and blueberries, this kibble provides natural fiber, antioxidants, and more.
- Skin and Coat-Friendly: Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and a shiny coat in your Shiba, helping your pooch look and feel his best.
- Prebiotics and Probiotics: A belly-boosting ingredient list assists in maintaining a healthy digestive system, aiding in firmer, healthier pupper poops.
- Domestically Made: Taste of the Wild recipes are manufactured in the USA using ingredients from trusted suppliers worldwide.
General Advice for Picking a Dog Food
Selecting a dog food for your canine companion can feel overwhelming, but there are three key factors to remember. If met, you're likely looking at a great option for your dog (Shiba Inus or not!)
When browsing dog food options for your furry friend, remember to:
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Meet Nutritional Guidelines: Opt for a food specifically formulated to meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines. This ensures your dog receives all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed for his life stage, whether a bouncing puppy or a silver senior.
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Consult with Your Veterinarian: Before deciding, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can provide expert advice based on your dog's health history, breed-specific nutritional needs, and any dietary restrictions. Your vet can also guide you through the complexities of dog food labels and recommend the best option for your fur kiddo.
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Address Specific Health Conditions: If your pup has specific health conditions, choose a dog food that caters to those needs. Many manufacturers offer specialized formulas for various issues, such as joint problems or sensitive stomachs. There are also foods for specific illnesses, like veterinary diets for kidney disease and diabetes.
Additional Criteria for Choosing Dog Food
With the three main requirements met, you may still have a handful of options to choose between. Luckily, narrowing the field is easier if you look into other aspects of a food.
Other factors to consider when searching for great dog food include:
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Canine Nutritionist: Does the brand employ a canine nutritionist? Having such an expert on hand ensures the food is nutritionally balanced and suitable for dogs.
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Safety Inspections: How frequently does the company conduct safety checks? Regular inspections ensure hygiene, safety, and fresh, quality ingredients.
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Cooked or Pasteurized Protein: Does the brand cook or pasteurize proteins to eliminate pathogens? Raw ingredients can make your dog very ill.
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Country of Production and Ingredient Sourcing: Is the dog food produced and sourced from Western countries? Western nations often have stricter regulations and quality control standards, keeping canines safer.
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Ownership of Production Facilities: Does the brand own the kitchens where the dog food is made? Ownership indicates better control over quality and safety.
For more detailed information on selecting the right dog food, read our comprehensive guide, How to Choose Dog Food!
Best Dog Food for Shiba Inus: FAQ
Do you still have questions or concerns about the best dog food for Shiba Inus? Browse the most commonly asked questions and answers surrounding the topic.
We hope our list of the best dog food for Shiba Inus has been a helpful resource in your quest to find the ideal option for your pup. Remember, a well-fed Shiba Inu is a happy Shiba Inu!
We'd love to hear about your experiences and which food your furry friend enjoys the most. Happy feeding, and may your Shiba always have a full bowl and a wagging tail!
