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Shiba Inus have independent minds and big personalities — and very specific tastebuds. If you’ve got a Shiba Inu in your life, you already know they’re not your average pup. Fiercely loyal and impressively clever, this ancient Japanese breed brings a lot to the table — and they expect the same from their bowl.
But behind the confident exterior, Shibas can experience some health concerns like skin irritations, joint issues, and sensitive stomachs. So, what does a diet that truly supports their wellbeing look like? Let’s unpack the best food for Shiba Inus, with expert insights on the ingredients that matter most — and why what you feed them can make all the difference.
Read more: Shiba Inu breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Shiba Inu health concerns
Sensitive stomachs
Shibas can be known for their discerning appetites, and some can have sensitive stomachs that result in loose stools, gassiness, or vomiting.
Try this:
A diet rich in high-quality animal proteins and digestible low-glycaemic load carbohydrates (like butternut squash or sweet potato) can support healthy digestion. Pair nutritious, real food meals with probiotics like Lyka’s Go-To Gut Helper to give your pup’s digestive system a boost.
Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort
Skin allergies and irritations
Shibas can be prone to skin issues, often due to food sensitivities or environmental allergens. Itchy skin, redness, and hot spots can be frustrating and painful and may lead to skin infections if left untreated.
Try this:
A novel protein diet, avoiding common allergens like chicken or beef, can help support skin health. Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro is made with goat protein combined with ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms, and itch-relief treatment (with photos)
Read more: What is hypoallergenic dog food? A vet expert's guide
Joint issues
Though agile and athletic, Shibas can develop patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Over time, these conditions can lead to arthritis. Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining joint mobility and reducing inflammation.
Try this:
Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil to support joint health. Lyka’s Joint Supplement includes active ingredients, like curcumin extract and Green-lipped sea mussels, which have anti-inflammatory properties – great for joints.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
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How to choose the best food for your Shiba Inu
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
1. Complete and balanced
Shiba Inus, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
2. Optimal nutrition for your Shiba Inu
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures, which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Shiba Inu? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Fresh vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
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How much food does a Shiba Inu need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle, and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Shiba Inu’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Shiba Inu to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Shiba Inu puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Shiba Inu comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Shiba Inus across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Shiba Inu parents today.
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