Food & Diet – Shiba Inu Care

As I started cooking more meals at home I noticed Faith tried harder and harder to get me to share. Worried I was going to give her something that’d hurt her I started looking into the foods that are usually pet safe. While most common fruits and vegetables are pet safe they have to be prepared properly. They must be cleaned, diced into bite sized chunks along with their seeds, stems, and peels removed. A similar process is required for meats, nuts, legumes, and more. And each dog has their own food sensitivity. While I was able to make this list it will not match your unique pet. Every shiba inu has their own food allergies and dietary restrictions due to health issues. Always check with your vet and get an allergy test before feeding your pet home made meals. All the items listed below are given conservative portion sizes and feeding frequencies in the interest of pet health. Dairy Products Organic dairy products are an excellent source of fats, helping around out a Shiba Inu's diet when used in moderation. Dairy products can cause gas, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea in pets that are lactose intolerant. Check with your vet before adding them to any meals. Dairy products aren’t usually a part of most pets' diets, leading to reactions and intolerances. Name Safe to eat? Portion Size Servings Safe Frequency Notes CheeseYesBite-sized chunksA couple bitesEvery few days Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Cottage CheeseYesQuarter cupOnce a monthSome dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Cow MilkYesQuarter cupOnce a monthSome dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Goat MilkNoNoneNoneNever Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Ice CreamMaybeHalf a cupOnce a weekPlain vanilla only Plain vanilla only Sheep MilkYesQuarter cupOnce a monthSome dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant WheyYesHalf a tablespoonOnce a weekSome dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant YogurtYes2 Large tablespoonsDailySome dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. Although whey is a protein supplement, it’s a terrible substitute that shouldn’t be used to replace a Shiba’s normal source of proteins. Fruits Fruit is an excellent and healthy treat for Shiba's, if prepared properly. Fresh fruits are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants making them a healthy alternative to dog treats, but are high in natural sugars and their seeds are usually toxic to dogs. Fresh diced fruit, when prepared properly, is great for your pets immune system. But, it's best to avoid them if your Shiba Inu is overweight or diabetic. As fruits are high in natural sugars, leading to rapid weight gain if they’re over treated. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesAgrumiYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove core & seedsApplesYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove core & seedsApricots No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet BananasYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove peelBlackberriesYes 4~8 1Once a weekFresh or frozenBlueberriesYes 4~8 1DailyRemove stem & cleanBoysenberryYes 4~8 1Once a weekFresh or frozenCantaloupeYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove peel & seedsCherries No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet CoconutYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekFreshCranberriesYes 4~8 1 3~4 Days Remove stem & cleanDates No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Figs No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Grapefruit No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Grapes No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Honeydew MelonYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove seeds & skinKiwiYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove seeds & skinLemons No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Limes No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet MangoYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove core & seedsNectarinesYesSmall slices1 3~4 Days Remove peel & seedsOrangesYesSmall slices1 3~4 Days Remove peel & seedsPapayasYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove peel & seedsPeachesYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove the pit & flesh around itPearsYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove the pit, seeds, flesh around themPineappleYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove prickly peel and crownPlums No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet QuinceYesBite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove stem & cleanRaisins No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet RaspberriesYes 4~81Once a weekRemove core & seedsRhubarbNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petStrawberriesYes 2~61Once a weekRemove stem & cleanTangerinesYesSmall slices13~4 DaysPeal & remove seedsWatermelonYesBite-sized chunks1 3~4 Days Remove rind & seeds Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. Grains Cooked unseasoned grains such as rice or oatmeal support healthy skin and fur, making them an excellent addition to a Shiba Inu's diet. Although grains are a great source of natural fibers and carbohydrates, grain allergies are common for Shiba Inus. Cooked unseasoned grains are a great wait to fill out and balance your pet’s diet, with rice being the easiest on their digestive system. But it’s extremely common for U.S. pets, including shiba inus, to be allergic to some if not most types of grains. Check with your vet before adding any to your pets meals. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesAmaranthYes1 Tablespoon1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedBarleyYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedBreadYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysNo toppings, butter, spreads, ...Brown RiceYes2~3 Tablespoons1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedBuckwheatYes2 Tablespoon1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedCornYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedMilletYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedOat / OatmealYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysCooked, no addonsPastaYes 1 Tablespoon 1Once a weekCooked & unseasonedQuinoaYes 1 Tablespoon 1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedRaw DoughNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petWhite RiceYes 2~3 Tablespoons 1Every few daysCooked & unseasoned Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. Grains should never be more than 10% of a shiba inu’s daily diet. Legumes Beans, peas, and other legumes are high in plant based proteins. While they are great for people, they hard on a Shiba Inu's digestive system, leading to inflammation. Legumes, due to the inflammation they cause, worsen pet arthritis. Allergies and dietary intolerances are common. Since Shiba Inus as a breed are prone to developing arthritis it’s best to avoid Beans, peas, and other legumes when possible, especially in older pets. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesAdzuki BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedBlack Eyed PeaYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedBlack Turtle BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedFava BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedGarbanzo / ChickpeaYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedGreat Northern BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedGreen Pea / Split PeaYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedKidney BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedLentils Yes 1~2 Table Spoon 1 Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedLima BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedNavy BeanYes1~2 Table Spoon1Every 3~4 DaysCooked & unseasonedPinto BeansNo None None NeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. Raw beans, peas, and other legumes are hard on animals digestive systems, so if you ever give them to your pet make sure they are cooked and unseasoned. Raw legumes lead to gas, constipation, dietary problems, and vomiting. Meats Meat and proteins make up the bulk of a shiba inu's diet. While kibble usually has them covered, most brands add additives that some pets will be allergic to. While some pets may do better on a "raw" diet it's best to cook any meat you give them, seasoning free. Always check with your vet first. A large percentage of pets in the US are known to have an allergy or sensitivity to both beef and chicken due to processing and added preservatives. Most meats, besides eggs, are healthier for your shiba when cooked and unseasoned. It’s easier on their digestive system, helping break down the proteins for them. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesBacon No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet BeefYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedBison / BuffaloYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedChicken Yes Bite-sized chunks 1 Every few days Cooked & unseasoned DuckYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedEggsYes1~21Once a dayBest mixed, uncooked, and unseasonedElkYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedEmuYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedFish ***Yes ***Bite-sized chunks1Once a weekRemove scales, bones, guts, just meat. Best cooked or steamed ***More notes below***GoatYes Bite-sized chunks 1 Every few days Cooked & unseasoned Goose No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Ground BeefYesBite-sized chunks1Once a dayUnseasonedKangarooYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedLambYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedLiverYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedLlamaYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedMooseYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedOstrichYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedPorkYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedQuail / PheasantYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedRabbit Yes Bite-sized chunks 1 Every few days Cooked & unseasoned Shellfish No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet TurkeyYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedVenisonYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasonedYakYesBite-sized chunks1Every few daysCooked & unseasoned Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. While “fish” can be safe for your pet to eat, it heavily depends on the exact fish in question. On average, the safest fish for a shiba inu to eat are: Tuna Salmon Whitefish Cod Whiting (hank) Nuts Nuts are high in plant based proteins and fats, making them an excellent addition to a diet, most are unhealthy or even toxic for dogs. Nuts are not a regular part of most shiba inu's diet, leading to allergies or intolerances. It is best to avoid feeding your pet nuts. While I will be listing nuts that are “generally” seen as safe for shiba inus to eat, there is always a risk. Each dog has their own allergies and food sensitivities. Making avoiding nuts as a whole the safer and better option for your pet. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesAlmonds No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Brazil NutYes3~41Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeCashews Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeChai Seed Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeDill Seed Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeFilbert / Hazelnut Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeFlaxseed / oil No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Hemp No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Macadamia Nuts No None None Never Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Peanuts Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freePecan Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freePine Nut Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freePistachio Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeSesame Seed Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeSoy - Lecithin Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt freeSunflower SeedNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petWalnut Yes 3~4 1Every few daysRemove shell & salt free Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. Vegetables Most raw or steamed vegetables are safe for shiba inus to eat if oils or seasoning are not added, while others are toxic. Fresh, clean, diced, and non canned are the safest and healthiest. While vegetable allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances are not common for dogs, check with your vet. Most vegetables when cleaned and diced into bite sized chunks are safe for your pet to eat both raw or steamed. Never feed your pet food that has been cooked with any oils, butters, or seasonings. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesArtichokeYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedAsparagusNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petAvocadoNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet BeetNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Bell PeppersYes1/4InfrequentlyClean, remove stem, remove seedsClean, remove stem, remove seedsBok ChoyYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedBroccoliYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysClean & Remove stemBrussel SproutsYes2Once a weekClean & Remove stemClean & Remove stemCabbageYesHalf a handfulEvery few daysClean & Remove stemClean & Remove stemCarrotsYesBite-sized chunksA few bitesEvery few daysClean & Remove stemCauliflowerYesBite-sized chunksA few bitesEvery few daysRemove stem & leavesCeleryYesBite-sized chunksA few bitesEvery few daysClean & Remove stemChile PepperNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet ChivesNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Collard GreensYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedCornYesHalf a handfulEvery few daysRemove cobRemove cobCucumbersYesBite-sized chunksA few bitesEvery few daysRemove skinEggplantYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedGreen BeansYesHalf a cupEvery few daysAnyFresh or frozenGreen OnionsNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Green PepperYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedJicamaYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedKale / ChardYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedLeeksNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet LettuceYesA handfulOnce a dayCleaned and dicedCleaned and dicedMixed SaladNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet MushroomsNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Mustard GreenYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedNapa CabbageYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedOkraYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedOliveYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedOnionsNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet ParsnipNoNoneNoneNever Unsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Peas ***Yes ***Half a cupOnce a weekFresh or frozenFresh or frozen ***More notes below*** PotatosYesA tablespoonEvery few daysCook then mash, only use waterFresh or frozenPumkinYesTwo tablespoonsOnce a dayRemove seeds, fresh or cannedCook then mash, only use waterRadishYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysRemove seeds, fresh or cannedRed PepperYesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedSpinachYesA handfulA few bitesOnce a monthCleanSprouts (bean)YesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCooked & unseasonedSummer (squash)YesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedSweet PotatosYesA tablespoonEvery few daysCook then mash, only use waterCook then mash, only use waterTomatoesNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petTurnipNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petWinter (squash)YesBite-sized chunks2-3 BitesEvery few daysCleaned and dicedZucchiniYesQuarter cupEvery few daysRemove skinRemove skinEach pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. While peas can be safe for pets to eat it depends on the type and how they’ve been prepared. Generally speaking, the following types of peas are “pet safe”: Green Snow Sugar snap Garden English Vegetables should never be more than 10% of a shiba inu’s daily diet. Miscellaneous Everyday drinks, snacks, ingredients, and seasonings are harmful or even toxic for shiba inus to eat. Seasonings, oils, and other food additives should not be added to your pets meals. It's best to keep these locked up and out of your dog's reach. While some of what I’m about to least is “usually” safe for dogs to eat, it’s best not to take any risks. Check with your vet to see what your specific pet’s food allergies and sensitivities are. NameSafe to eat?Portion SizeServingsSafe FrequencyNotesAlcoholNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petAllspiceYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemAniseNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petArtificial SweetenersNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petBakers YeastYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemBasilYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemBeet PulpYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemBlack PepperNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petBrewers YeastYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemBrown SugarNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petCandyNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petCarobYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemCaseinYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemChocolateNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petCinnamonNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petCoconut OilYes1 teaspoon1 ServingEvery few daysAdd to food or snacksCoconut WaterYes1 Tablespoon1 ServingEvery few daysAdd to food, water, or snacksCoffeeNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petCooked BonesNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petCorianderNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petCorn CobsNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petCurryNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petDistilled VinegarNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petEthoxyquinYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemFat TrimmingsNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petFood ColoringNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petFood PreservativesNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petGarlicNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petGelatinYesLess than a teaspoon1 ServingEvery few daysCleaned and mincedGingerNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petGingerYesLess than a teaspoon1 ServingEvery few daysCleaned and mincedGumNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petHoneyYes1 Teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekLocal honey is bestHopsYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemJuiceNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petKelpYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekTypically an ingredient or powderMalt No None None Never Unsafe / toxic, do not give to your pet medicine / medicationNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petMintYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemMolassesYes1 Teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekMoldy FoodsNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petMontmorillonite ClayYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemMustardYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemMustardNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petNutmegNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petNutritional YeastNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petPaprikaYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemParsleyYesHalf a teaspoon1 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemRosemaryYesHalf a teaspoon2 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemSageYesHalf a teaspoon3 ServingOnce a weekClean and remove stemSaltNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petSodaNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petTobaccoNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your pet Tapioca Yes 2 Large tablespoons Once a week Some dogs are lactose-intolerant Some dogs are lactose-intolerant TeaNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petTurmericNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petVanillaNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / Toxic, do not give to your petWhite PepperNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petWhite SugarNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your petYeast CultureNoNoneNoneNeverUnsafe / toxic, do not give to your pet Each pet has their own unique food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Check with a vet before feeding your dog anything above. How To Spot Allergic Reactions Allergies and reactions typically show themselves as skin conditions. Dry skin, loss of fur, constant itching and scratching, … Every pet has their own allergies and reactions to said allergies, if you would like more information on shiba inu allergies and allergic reactions please check our post here.