Shiba Inus are famous for their high energy levels, independent personalities, and attractive dual-color coats. Because of this breed’s predisposition to physical activity, it requires a specific diet that contains the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. In this guide, we’ll share what makes a healthy Shiba Inu diet. Also, read to the end to learn why American Natural Premium is the best dog food for Shiba Inus at every stage.
Dietary Needs of Shiba Inu Puppies
Shiba Inus were originally bred for hunting and scouting. With a genetic predisposition for energy and agility, these dogs benefit from a diet that supports their robust activity and maintains their unique coats.
Here’s a list of micro and macronutrients that address the young Shiba Inu’s growing nutritional needs:
- Protein: Protein is an essential macronutrient in a Shiba Inu’s diet. It supports their energy levels and helps them develop strong joints and muscles. For Shiba Inu pups, the ideal amount of protein will depend on size. As a safe rule of thumb, protein should account for a third of a Shiba Inu’s total calorie intake.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the main energy sources of growing Shiba Inu puppies. For this reason, at least 20% of a puppy’s calories must come from carbohydrates.
- Healthy Fats: Healthy fats include Omega-3 and sunflower oil. These fats promote a healthy coat. Despite their benefits, fats shouldn’t be the major source of calories for pups. Puppies should only get 15% to 18% of their calories from dietary fat.
- Fiber: For healthy digestion, Shiba Inu puppies need a healthy dose of dietary fiber. Fiber sources can include vegetables and some fruit.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Frequent feeding of treats can make Shiba Inus grow into picky eaters. Besides that, here are other mistakes Shiba Inu owners must avoid making:
- Not introducing different types of food
- Not having a stable feeding schedule
- Overfeeding
- Neglecting hydration
- Failing to check the nutritional contents of dog food
Transitioning to an Adult Dog Diet
Shiba Inus aren’t adults until after a year. When addressing a Shiba Inu’s growing nutritional needs, make sure to include the following.
Higher Protein Content
Proteins are the building blocks of muscle and play a crucial role in supporting the Shiba Inu’s energetic lifestyle. At American Natural Premium, we offer the best dog food for Shiba Inus that provides the right protein balance for your dog’s boundless vitality.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Healthy Oils for Coat Health
As they grow, Shiba Inus will need more dietary fats to sustain their attention-grabbing coat, which is where dietary fats come in. To promote optimal coat health and skin resilience, our dog food formulations incorporate essential omega-3 fatty acids and sunflower oil.
Choosing Dog Food With the Right Balance of Macro and Micronutrients
Shiba Inus benefit from a well-rounded diet. A balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants ensures that your Shiba Inu receives comprehensive nutrition, promoting vitality and longevity.
Increasing Calorie Intake
The proportions of nutrients remain similar for Shiba Inus when they grow into adults. However, due to growing activity levels and size, Shiba Inus must consume more total calories daily.
Owners must increase calories gradually. Bumping calories too soon can lead to obesity.
Dietary Needs of Senior Shiba Inus
Shiba Inus will require fewer calories as they age. Besides the change in the number of calories they consume, senior Shiba Inus become more vulnerable to digestive issues. If you have older Shiba Inu dogs, picking a brand that has the ideal amounts of dietary fiber is essential.
Besides higher dietary fiber, a senior Shiba Inu’s diet must also contain the following:
- Higher Omega-3 for coat health
- Vitamins to boost immunity
- Easily digestible proteins to prevent issues
Common Dietary Issues and Solutions
Like many other breeds, Shiba Inu dogs have breed-specific dietary issues. Here are the most common ones along with their respective solutions:
- Food Sensitivities: Shiba Inus may develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food, such as grains, beef, chicken, or artificial additives. To address this, owners must introduce different foods while their Shiba Inus are puppies to identify sensitivities. From here, owners can eliminate triggering foods and select hypoallergenic dog foods like our Exhibitor’s Choice.
- Obesity: Shiba Inus are a small to medium-sized breed, and overfeeding can lead to obesity. Maintaining a balanced diet and portion control is crucial to prevent weight-related health issues.
- Dental Problems: Shiba Inus — like many small breeds — can be prone to dental issues. To address these, owners can feed their dogs dry kibble or provide dental treats or toys.
Creating a Shiba Inu Diet Plan
Designing a well-balanced diet plan for a Shiba Inu can be a straightforward process. Here’s how to create an effective diet plan tailored to your Shiba Inu’s needs:
- Determine Calories Needs: Work with your veterinarian to calculate the appropriate daily caloric intake for your Shiba Inu based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and overall health.
- Protein Content: Roughly 18% to 30% of your Shiba Inu’s calories must come from protein. When choosing protein sources, choose easily digestible sources like fish and chicken.
- Healthy Fats: Shiba Inus must get up to 18% of their calories from fat to maintain their coats. Dietary fat sources must be healthy and can include Omega-3 and sunflower oil.
- Natural Carbohydrates: Carbohydrate sources like whole grains are essential and can make up half of a Shiba Inu’s daily caloric intake. However, avoid corn, potatoes, legumes, refined flour, or other carb sources that are used as fillers.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
Making dog food at home enables you to measure and weigh your Shiba Inu’s food intake. Doing so also lets you identify and eliminate specific allergens. However, preparing food for your Shiba Inu can be time-consuming, so commercial dog food is often more convenient.
Of course, the downside of commercial dog food is that you don’t know much about its nutritional content. You must select a brand with dog food options tailored for Shiba Inus.
At American Natural Premium, we’ve designed the best dog food for Shiba Inus. Our dog food options are:
- GMO-free
- American-made
- Hypoallergenic
- Tailored to meet all your Shiba Inu’s nutritional needs
Keep Your Shiba in Great Shape With American Natural
American Natural Premium commits to providing wholesome, high-quality nutrition to ensure your Shiba Inu leads a healthy and happy life.
Choose the best dog food for Shiba Inus at American Natural Premium today.
