What is a good dog food for a Shiba Inu?

In recent years, the Shiba Inu has emerged as one of the more popular dog breeds, drawing widespread attention, especially concerning their dietary habits. Choosing the right dog food is crucial for the health of a Shiba Inu.

Should Shiba Inus be fed human food?

Although it seems economical and environmentally friendly to feed Shiba Inus with leftover human food, doing so long-term can have adverse effects on dogs. Human food is usually too salty and greasy for canines, which could lead to a decline in the quality of the Shiba Inu's coat, excessive shedding, tear stains, and in severe cases, even kidney failure. Therefore, it is recommended that dog food should be the main diet for Shiba Inus.

Is dry food or wet food better for Shiba Inus?

Dog food can be classified as dry or wet based on its moisture content. Shiba Inus might prefer wet food because of its better taste, but a long-term diet of wet food can lead to pickiness; the soft texture of wet food doesn't provide the tooth exercise needed, potentially leading to oral issues; moreover, wet food often contains preservatives to maintain freshness, which can be harmful to the kidneys if consumed regularly. Generally, it is advised to feed Shiba Inus dry food, as its firm texture can help scrub the surface of teeth and keep gums healthier.

How to choose the right dog food?

a. High-quality dog food usually has uniform kibble size, regular shape, and a deeper color; whereas, poor-quality dog food tends to have rough kibbles, irregular sizes, and lighter colors. b. When touched, high-quality kibbles feel dry and not too greasy, while poor-quality ones tend to be greasy. c. Good dog food has a light and natural fragrance; poor-quality dog food may have a strong scent or an unpleasant odor. d. High-quality dog food tastes neither greasy nor salty and has a meaty flavor with a fibrous texture. If the dog food tastes odd, too salty, or too greasy, it indicates a problematic recipe that should be avoided, as a long-term intake of high-salt dog food can affect the dog's internal organs.

Which dog foods are suitable for Shiba Inus?

For Shiba Inus, choosing dog food with natural ingredients is a healthier and more ideal choice.

a. Select dog food specifically developed for medium to large breeds, which usually uses straightforward ingredients and quality control, offering transparent pricing and scientifically tailored nutrition for dogs. b. High-quality dog food contains over 73% animal ingredients, with a protein content exceeding 33%, including various meats such as chicken, duck, beef, anchovy, and tuna, complemented by a mix of pumpkin, carrots, pears, and cranberries to supply multiple vitamins and ensure ample nutrition for dogs. c. Considering some dogs may be allergic to grains, certain brands use costlier alternatives like potatoes and sweet potatoes instead of traditional grains to reduce allergenic reactions in dogs. d. Some dog food brands offer trial packages, allowing for a full refund if the product is opened and used within a certain limit (e.g., less than 1 pound), enabling consumers to try and compare different products.