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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 December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Shiba Inus for December 2024.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Shiba Inus
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Turkey and Potato Grain Free
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, making it a good choice for Shiba Inus.
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%. It also comes packed with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine.
This recipe is one of six dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Simple product line.
Read our review of the full Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Single source of protein
- Grain-free
- Contains omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 29.2% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shiba Inus Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All she did was bubble and poop on any dog food I bought, then I saw Simple Ingredients!!! That made sense to me. And Turkey and Potato is the only flavor she can eat. Everything's been perfect for a couple years now. "
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Best Wet Dog Food For Shiba Inus
Ollie Fresh Lamb With Cranberries
Ollie Fresh Lamb With Cranberries is one of five fresh recipes included in our review of the Ollie Fresh product line.
This particular recipe 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%.
As well as lamb, this formula also contains antioxidant-rich cranberries and butternut squash which is high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel movements. In addition, Ollie’s fresh meals are gently cooked to seal in the nutrients, and are all made with 100% human-grade ingredients.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein from lamb
- Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
- 100% human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 38.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppy Shiba Inus 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!"
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Best Fresh Food For Shiba Inus
JustFoodForDogs Joint & Skin Support
If you like to give fresh food to your Shiba Inu, we recommend this Joint & Skin Support recipe, one of nine included in our review of the JustFoodForDogs Fresh product line.
The recipe derives most 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%.
Just Food for Dogs Joint & Skin Support is formulated to maintain joint mobility, reduce inflammation, and support cartilage health, making it ideal for aging Shiba Inus or those with joint issues like arthritis. It also contains ingredients such as fish oil to enhance skin health and promotes a shiny coat, addressing issues like dryness, itchiness, or dull fur.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Frozen Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Hand-made in open kitchens
- Contains Type II Collagen
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shiba Inus 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."
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Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus Puppies
Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Nom Nom’s nutrient-packed recipes are meticulously crafted by Nom Nom’s Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, and are packed with nutrients and minerals, making them perfect for growing Shiba Inu puppies’ needs. This versatile formula can be used as a full meal or as a topper.
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, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%. This recipe is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom product line.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Turkey-based protein
- Slow-cooked in small batches
- No fillers
Main Ingredients Turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 35.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppy Shiba Inus Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My pups are in love with this food. We first used it as a birthday treat for the pups are they devoured it looking for more. I mixed it in with their normal kibble food and I've never seen them happier."
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Shiba Inus
Blue Wilderness Nature's Evolutionary Diet Adult Healthy Weight Chicken with Wholesome Grains
Blue Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight Chicken With Wholesome Grains is one of 15 dry recipes included in our review of this dry product line.
The recipe includes Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits — 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, helping your Shiba Inu remain in prime health.
Blue Wilderness Adult Healthy Weight Chicken With Wholesome Grains derives the majority 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%.
Things we like
- High protein
- Controlled calories
- Contains LifeSource Bits
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Chicken, Oatmeal, Barley Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shiba Inus Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.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!"
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Best Dog Food For Shiba Inus With Allergies
Canidae Grain Free Pure Salmon and Sweet Potato
Canidae Grain Free Pure Salmon and Sweet Potato is an excellent food option for Shiba Inus, due to their specific dietary needs and sensitivities
The combination of limited ingredients, high-quality salmon, and sweet potato caters to the unique needs of Shiba Inus, such as their skin and coat health, energy requirements, and tendency to develop allergies or food intolerances. This balanced formula helps keep them healthy, energetic, and comfortable.
The formula is one of 10 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae Pure product line. Dry matter label analysis reveals this salmon recipe contains 33.3% protein, 15.6% fat and 43.1% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Read our review of the full Canidae Pure Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Limited ingredients
- Essential fatty acids
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Salmon, salmon meal, lentils, sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Shiba Inus Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Happy with this clean dog food. Works well for my dog with severe allergies. Easy ordering process."
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
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