DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
What’s the best dog food for a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inus are energetic and intelligent dogs that require a high-quality and nutritious diet to support their overall health.
When choosing a dog food for your Shiba Inu, look for one which contains real animal-based protein sources as the main ingredients. Chicken, beef, fish, or lamb are excellent protein options.
Shiba Inus are a small to medium-sized breed, so select a dog food with kibble that is appropriate for their mouth size. This helps with chewing and digestion.
To avoid your Shiba Inu gaining weight, it’s important to control their calorie intake. Opt for a dog food that is formulated to meet the energy needs of a moderately active dog, and be mindful of portion sizes.
Shiba Inus can suffer from skin allergies, so select dog food that is easily digestible and doesn’t contain common allergens or artificial additives that may cause digestive upset.
Look for dog food that includes sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed. These fatty acids can promote healthy skin, a shiny coat, and support overall well-being.
Remember, if you have any specific concerns or questions about your Shiba Inu’s diet, seek advice from your veterinarian.
Below, you can read our recommendations of the best dog food for a Shiba Inus.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Shiba Inus.
Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Shiba Inus for November 2024.
-
1. JustFoodForDogs
JustFoodForDogs Joint And Skin Support is one of nine fresh frozen recipes included in our review of the JustFoodForDogs Fresh product line.
JustFoodForDogs Joint And Skin Support derives the bulk of its meat protein from pork. 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%.
This Joint & Skin Support diet is formulated to help support skin and allergies. Hand-prepared diet in open kitchens using pork loin and tenderloin, quinoa, kale, carrots, and Fuji apples. It also contains Type II Collagen to support healthy joints.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Frozen Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs.com"This Joint & Skin Support diet is formulated to help support skin and allergies. Hand-prepared diet in open kitchens using pork loin and tenderloin, quinoa, kale, carrots, and Fuji apples. It also contains Type II Collagen to support healthy joints."
-
2. Wellness
Wellness Simple Turkey and Potato Grain Free is one of six dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple product line.
Wellness Simple Turkey and Potato Grain Free derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29.2% protein, 13.5% fat and 49.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
At Wellness, every ingredient chosen has a purpose, especially when it comes to dogs with food sensitivities. These natural, limited-ingredient diet dog food recipes keep it simple with a single source of protein from turkey and easily digestible carbohydrates from potatoes, without extra fillers or additives.
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 29.2% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood.com"My girl has skin issues, and between her medication and switching to Wellness Simple Turkey & Potato, her skin is so much better. Plus she loves the taste. My other dogs eat great food but they want to eat hers too."
-
3. Ollie
Ollie Fresh Lamb With Cranberries is one of five fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Fresh product line.
Ollie Fresh Lamb With Cranberries derives the bulk of its meat protein from lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38.5% protein, 26.9% fat and 26.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
Real lamb, cranberries, and butternut squash keep mealtime fresh and exciting and give dogs the fuel they need to stay happy and healthy in the long run.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"My dog, Falkor, is an incredibly picky eater. He is also allergic to chicken and beef. I ordered Ollie’s fresh lamb and, from the first meal, Falkor would eat on his own until it was gone! This was a game-changer for us! I cannot recommend Ollie enough!"
-
4. Nom Nom
Nom Nom Turkey Fare is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 35.7% protein, 17.9% fat and 38.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Nutrient-packed recipes which are meticulously crafted by Nom Nom’s Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists with quality, flavor and texture in mind.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Tula gets so excited when it’s mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they’ve ever been. I can’t imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
-
5. Open Farm
Open Farm Gently Cooked Harvest Chicken is one of seven fresh recipes included in our review of the Open Farm Fresh product line.
Open Farm Gently Cooked Harvest Chicken derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 45.8% protein, 29.2% fat and 17% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 64%.
This hearty, slow-cooked recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to a mix of humanely raised chicken and non-GMO veggies and superfoods—all 100% human-grade ingredients.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 45.8% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"Our puppy loves the Gently Cooked food! She loved the Puppy Recipe and the Harvest Chicken! I love we can alternate flavors and give her a variety with no issues! Thank you for such great products!"
-
6. Canidae
Canidae Grain Free Pure Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Pure product line.
Canidae Grain Free Pure Salmon and Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its protein from salmon. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 15.6% fat and 43.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Canidae Pure range of dry dog food features clean recipes, premium proteins and healthy fats to fuel your pet’s health. Know what’s in their bowl with just 10 key ingredients or fewer in every recipe. This salmon dog food option is bursting with real salmon sourced in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and rich in essential fatty acids.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Canidae.com"Happy with this clean dog food. Works well for my dog with severe allergies. Easy ordering process."
-
7. Orijen
Orijen Amazing Grains Six Fish is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen Amazing Grains product line.
Orijen Amazing Grains Six Fish derives the bulk of its protein from fish. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.2% protein, 20.5% fat and 28.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
ORIJEN® Amazing Grains is packed with fresh or raw animal protein and enhanced with hand-selected grains to give your dog peak nourishment. With 90%* premium animal ingredients, ORIJEN Six Fish with Amazing Grains includes WholePrey ingredients from wild-caught whole mackerel, whole herring, monkfish, acadian redfish, flounder and whole hake. These nutrient-dense fish ingredients provide your dog with the protein, vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. We’ve also added only the most amazing grains in a high-quality blend of oats, quinoa and chia and more, hand-selected to provide a balanced fiber ratio that helps support your dog’s digestive health. Nourish your dog completely with the amazing animal protein and quality grains found in ORIJEN Amazing Grains.
Read our review of the full Orijen Amazing Grains Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whole mackerel, whole herring, salmon, whole pilchard, flounder, Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 43.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OrijenPetFoods.com"We are loving this stuff so far! One of our dogs is a 30lb hairy super-mutt and she has some significant skin/ear/paw allergy/itchiness problems and we have been trying to figure out if it’s environmental or food. I think fish-based diet is helping her with her skin issues but she’s also kind of a picky eater. So far so good with this six-fish recipe! She’s actually a big fan! And I’m a big fan of the ingredients"
-
8. Blue Buffalo
Blue Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight Chicken With Wholesome Grains is one of 15 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Wilderness product line.
Blue Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight Chicken With Wholesome Grains derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 14.4% fat and 44.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by veterinarians and animal nutritionists that help support: immune system health, life stage requirements and healthy oxidative balance.
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Chicken, Oatmeal, Barley Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at BlueBuffalo.com"My dog loves this food! I feel like after just a week or two I saw improvements in his coat and weight! I was very impressed and will continue to use! Highly recommended!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding a Shiba Inus:
Shiba Inus are a small to medium sized breed of dog originally used for hunting and brought to the US from Japan. They are known for their companionship qualities and charming looks. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Shiba Inus within the top 43 most popular breeds in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Shiba Inus?
What kind of fur does a Shiba Inu have?
What temperament do Shiba Inus have?
Shiba Inus make great companions and show the following traits:
- Intelligent
- Highly likely to run away off lead
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Easy to train
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
- Energetic
How much exercise do Shiba Inus need?
Which health concerns do Shiba Inus have?
Shiba Inus are generally a very healthy breed overall but should be screened for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye disorders
- Patella luxation
Final word
The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.
For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.
