What to feed a Shiba Inu
A Shiba Inu does well on a good quality complete food with portions kept carefully in check, since this is a breed that carries weight easily and can be prone to skin sensitivities, which makes both calorie control and ingredient quality worth paying attention to. Beyond that, a Shiba's dietary needs are broadly in line with other medium-sized, moderately active breeds.
A breed prone to carrying weight
Shiba Inus have a naturally efficient metabolism, which historically suited a breed developed for hunting in mountainous terrain on modest amounts of food, but in a home environment with regular meals and treats, that same efficiency makes it easy for them to gain weight if portions aren't measured properly.
Feeding by weight rather than by eye, and checking body condition regularly rather than relying on your dog's demanding behaviour at mealtimes, is a more reliable way to keep a Shiba at a healthy weight through adulthood.
Skin and coat considerations
Some Shiba Inus are prone to skin sensitivities and allergies, so a diet with a clearly named, single protein source can make it easier to identify and adjust if skin or coat issues develop, compared with a food listing a vague mix of proteins.
A good level of omega fatty acids in the diet also supports coat condition in a breed known for its thick, plush double coat, which sheds heavily during seasonal coat changes regardless of diet.
Treats and independence
Shiba Inus are known for an independent, sometimes stubborn temperament, and food-based training can be a useful tool, but it's worth building treats into the day's total calorie allowance rather than adding them on top of a full measured meal.
Introducing any new food gradually over a week or so, mixing it with the current diet in increasing amounts, helps avoid the digestive upset a sudden switch can cause, even when the new food ultimately suits your dog well.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Common questions
- Are Shiba Inus prone to food allergies?
- They can be more prone to skin sensitivities than some breeds, though a true food allergy still needs a vet-led elimination diet to confirm. Persistent itching or digestive upset is worth discussing with your vet rather than repeatedly switching food on guesswork.
- How much should I feed an adult Shiba Inu?
- Follow the manufacturer's guide for your dog's weight as a starting point, then adjust based on body condition, since Shiba Inus can gain weight readily and often need less than a generic guide for their size might suggest.
- Is grain-free food better for a Shiba Inu?
- Not automatically — grain-free is a separate choice from addressing a specific sensitivity, and the named protein source usually matters more for a dog prone to skin issues than whether grain is present at all.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.