Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Shiba Inu

Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Shiba Inu

As with most pets, the Shiba Inu is at its healthiest when eating high-quality dog food that is specially designed to meet its needs. This breed is energetic but also prone to becoming overweight due to being a small breed dog.

The Shiba Inu is also known to suffer from skin allergies, so you need to be careful what food you feed them. However, there are so many different dog food options on the market today that it can be difficult and more than a little overwhelming to find the right food for your little Shiba Inu.

Never fear; in this guide, we’ll give you a list and reviews of the best six dog foods for the Shiba Inu breed in 2022 as we see them. Stay tuned for a buying guide following the list. See you at the bottom!

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Shiba Inu

Addiction Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Addiction

The Addiction Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains salmon to give your Shiba Inu natural omega-3 fatty acids. This food is high in essential nutrients and natural antioxidants to support your Shiba Inus overall health. It also has smaller kibbles to make it easier for your pup to eat.

This formula, is a type of food that the FDA is investigating as being problematic to dogs. Some dogs don’t like this formula and refuse to eat it. This food can cause digestive upset in some dogs. It’s also expensive.

Cons
  • Grain-free, which can be problematic
  • Some dogs will not eat this formula
  • Can cause digestive upset
  • Expensive
Pros
  • Contains salmon, so has natural omega-3
  • High in essential nutrients and natural antioxidants
  • Smaller kibble for smaller jaws

Ollie Fresh Beef Dog Food– Best Overall

Ollie fresh dog food beef recipe

Main ingredients: Beef, sweet potatoes, rosemary, peas
Protein content: 12%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 1540

Our best overall dog food for the Shiba Inu breed goes to Ollie Fresh Beef Dog Food. Ollies is a subscription dog food service that personalizes the recipes for their fresh food according to your dog’s breed, size, and health.

The food is all vet-formulated and contains superfoods with high nutritional value. The main ingredients for the beef recipe include beef, sweet potatoes, rosemary, and peas.  Ollie Fresh Dog Food delivers meals straight to your door, which is an excellent convenience in today’s busy and chaotic world.

Ollie is expensive but worth the price you pay for the convenience and the fresh food. However, the meals take up a lot of freezer space, and one meal takes 24 hours to defrost, which is unfortunate if you forget to take it out in time.

Cons
  • Quite expensive
  • Frozen meals take 24 hours to thaw
  • Takes up freezer space
Pros
  • Personalized recipes
  • Formulated by vets
  • Contains superfoods
  • High nutritional value

Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food – Best Value

Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Adult In Gel Canned Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, pork liver, chicken by-products
Protein content: 6.5%
Fat content: 3.0%
Calories: 1002

Our choice for the best dog food for the Shiba Inu breed for the money is Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food. In our opinion, this is one of the most affordable brands for Shiba Inus.. Royal Canin is tailored to your dog’s size and age, and it’s a canned dog food that contains chicken as the first ingredient.t. Royal Canin has over 40 years of experience in making high-quality dog food, so that’s another thing to consider. This canned dog food also supports optimal joint support, dental care, and weight management. There are a few varieties to choose from, and you can be sure you’re choosing the best possible food for your furry friend.

It has been reported that some dogs refuse to eat this brand, however. You can avoid that scenario by mixing this Ollies with your dog’s dry food for the best results.

Cons
  • Some dogs refuse to eat it
Pros
  • Promotes optimal joint support and dental care
  • 40 years of experience making dog food
  • Fits almost any budget
  • Tailored to the dog’s lifestyle and age
  • Good to mix with dry food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Small Breed Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken meal, Peas
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 375 per cup

Last but not least, our number six spot goes to Blue Buffalo Wilderness Healthy Weight Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This dry kibble contains real chicken as its first ingredient. The kibble is small enough for puppies, small breed dogs, and even senior dogs to chew with ease. It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your pup needs to stay healthy and happy.

The food contains sweet potatoes, which might not agree with some dogs, and it has been reported as causing an upset stomach in some breeds. Blue Buffalo Widerness Healthy could be problematic because it is grain-free. It’s best to ask your vet if your dog needs to be on a grain-free diet before giving it any food that doesn’t have it listed as an ingredient for the best results.

Cons
  • Can cause an upset stomach
  • Includes sweet potatoes
Pros
  • Contains real chicken as the first ingredient
  • Small kibble
  • Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Formula Dog Dry Food
Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, Brewer’s rice
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 14%
Calories: 359 per cup

Our premium choice of the best dog food for the Shiba Inu breed is Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Small Adult Dry Dog Food. Your little Shiba Inu is a small breed dog, and this food is specially formulated for small breeds from nine to 22 pounds. The food contains small kibble, which makes it easier for your dog to chew, and it’s ideal for high-energy pups. . The food also has all the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids needed to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and shiny.

However, the food is a bit on the expensive side, and it has been reported as causing stomach upset in some dogs.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Can cause upset stomach
Pros
  • For dogs from nine to 22 pounds
  • Works for the high energy of smaller dogs
  • Small kibble
  • Good for skin and coat

Purina Savor Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan

The Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food is another great choice for Shiba Inu because it’s specially formulated for smaller dogs. It has the high-nutrient density to support the higher metabolic rates of small dogs like Shiba Inus. The food is made of crunchy kibble and tender, meaty pieces of chicken to appeal to even picky eaters. The food contains live probiotics to support your Shiba’s digestive and immune health. It also contains vitamin A and linoleic acid for healthy eyes, skin, and coats.

Some sensitive dogs have had skin problems due to this food.

Cons
  • Can cause skin irritation in some dogs
Pros
  • High-nutrient density for higher metabolic rates found in smaller dogs
  • Contains vitamin A and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid
  • Small kibble size that’s ideal for small dogs
  • Crunchy kibble and tender, meaty pieces of chicken
  • Contains live probiotics to support digestive and immune health

AvoDerm — Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

This recipe from Avo Derm is nutrient-rich and free of common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy. Your Shiba Inu will love the high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal and brown rice.

The Avoderm formula includes avocado as a special ingredient. It is an antioxidant-rich recipe and contains essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. It fulfills your Inu’s nutritional requirements and offers benefits that strengthen the immune system. It also takes care of the coat’s quality and shine and is a great choice for your Shiba Inu.

IAMS ProActive Health Puppy Food – Best for Puppies

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Smart Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken
Main ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal
Protein content: 29%
Fat content: 17.5%
Calories: 399 per cup

Of course, if your Shiba Inu is just a puppy, you’re need to choose a food that’s made especially for puppies. Our top choice is IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food because it lists farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient in the blend. The dry kibble also includes 22 ingredients that are found in mother’s milk, meaning it should be good for your little fur baby as well.

The blend contains no artificial preservatives or flavorings..

However, the food contains artificial coloring in the form of caramel, so it might cause stomach upset in some puppies.

Cons
  • Can cause an upset stomach
  • Includes artificial coloring
Pros
  • Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains 22 ingredients found in mother’s milk
  • Contains no artificial preservatives

Merrick — Grain-Free Real Buffalo, Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick provides delicious, healthy meals for your Shiba Inu. This grain-free recipe offers complete and balanced nutrition with real beef, buffalo, and chicken as primary ingredients. It delivers nutrition your dog can thrive on.

This antioxidant-rich recipe also features blueberries, apples, and peas for added benefits. It includes essential minerals and vitamins and high chondroitin content for stronger bones and a healthier immune system. You can boost your Shiba Inu’s mobility and help him stay active and energetic with this recipe.

Castor & Pollux Organix Grain Free Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice

Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 387 per cup

At number five on our list of the best dog foods for the Shiba Inu breed is Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This is our vet’s choice selection, and it contains no artificial preservatives. The recipe is USDA-certified organic and supports healthy digestion for your pet. Castor and Pollux is formulated with small breeds in mind, and it’s perfect for your small Shiba Inu.

The food is expensive when compared to other brands on our list, and some pet parents reported their dogs being unwilling to eat the food.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Some dogs refused to eat this blend
Pros
  • No artificial preservatives
  • USDA organic certified
  • Supports healthy digestion

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Shiba Inu Dog Food

There are many things to consider when you’re shopping for the best dog food for your Shiba Inu. Shibas are energetic and active, but they’re also prone to being overweight. A good-quality food that has a large amount of protein but is also low in carbohydrates is best. To help you in your search, we’ve created a buyer’s guide.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are generally lower in carbohydrates. Since your Shiba Inu is prone to weight gain, you want to avoid food filled with extra carbohydrates. In general, you can do this by choosing a dog food that doesn’t have corn products.

Whole Meats

Whole meat should be the primary source of protein for your Shiba Inu. Meat meal and byproducts should not be the first ingredient of the dog food, as they can contain all kinds of unhealthy parts of animal carcasses, including hooves and hair. Byproducts are not all bad, though. They may include organ meats, which can be a great source of iron.

Avoid Artificial Ingredients

Some dog foods use fillers like corn and wheat to add calories without any real health benefit. It’s also best to look for dog food that does not include artificial flavors or preservatives. Since Shiba Inus can have problems with allergies, the fewer ingredients a food has, the better.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are important for your Shiba Inus skin and coat. Because Shibas are prone to allergies, consuming healthy fats can help their coats stay shiny and thick. Fat also makes a great, long-lasting source of energy for your active Shiba Inu.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

Dog food that contains fruits and vegetables to provide vitamins and minerals are especially healthful for Shiba Inus because they are a great source of fiber. This is good for maintaining a healthy weight, but it’s also good for your dog’s digestion. Food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin are ideal because they support healthy joints and cartilage. It’s also best to find a food that includes probiotics for overall digestive health.

Final Thoughts

This concludes our reviews of the six best dog foods for the Shiba Inu breed in 2022. Ollie Fresh Beef Dog Food delivers convenience and human-grade blends for the best overall dog food. Royal Canin Adult Canned Dog Food combines value for the money and experience.

Made with farm-fresh chicken, IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food is the best choice for puppies who are still growing. Last but not least, Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is USDA organic certified and caters to small breeds.

We hope these reviews will help you choose the best dog food for your Shiba Inu and that they’ll be happy and healthy for many years to come.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.