A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : Growth food adapted to the expected size, divided into three meals, without unnecessary calcium supplementation.
Adult : Controlled ration in two meals, adjusted to ideal weight and actual activity.
Senior : Digestible food, possibly less energy-dense, with joint and dental monitoring.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
A diet based on premium kibble suited to an active small-sized dog constitutes a consistent basis for the Shiba Inu. The choice must take into account age, possible neutering, digestive sensitivity and exercise level, with a balanced and digestible composition.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily ration must be linked to the dog's energy expenditure and monitored regularly to avoid overweight. Splitting into two meals per day is recommended for this breed, with a reassessment of quantities if activity or body condition change.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 6 - 7 kg | 140 - 203 g | 2 |
| 7 - 9 kg | 158 - 216 g | 2 |
| 9 - 10 kg | 179 - 245 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be done gradually over several days in order to limit digestive upsets. A slow transition, with a gradual increase of the new food, is particularly useful in sensitive dogs or when a change of formula becomes necessary.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. This vigilance is particularly important in hot weather, after exercise and for dogs fed mainly with dry kibble.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the daily caloric intake. They can be useful in positive training, but excessive use quickly promotes weight gain in a small-sized dog like the Shiba Inu.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the ration each day rather than serving by volume.
- Avoid intense exercise just before and after the meal.
- Deduct training treats from the daily ration.
Never give
As with other dogs, you should avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, cooked bones and very fatty foods, as they can cause poisoning, severe digestive disorders or metabolic complications.
