How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Shiba Inu Puppies
Shiba Inu puppies have energy to spare, and they need a diet that will support both their activity requirements and their developing bodies. A breed prized for its impressive musculature and athletic grace, the Shiba requires a diet with an emphasis on high-quality proteins to thrive.
During the puppy stage, the average Shiba will range in weight from 5 to 20 pounds. To help fuel this active pup, meals should consist of smaller portions of the best dog food for Shiba Inu puppies fed more frequently throughout the day.
Dietary Requirements for Shiba Inu Puppy Foods
Shiba Inu puppies need a diet that is rich in high-quality proteins to fuel their important developmental periods. Proteins are ideally sourced from lean meats but can also be obtained from meat meals. Any diet for the Shiba Inu puppy should contain an animal-based protein as its main ingredient.
Fiber also plays an important role in the Shiba Inu puppy’s diet. Fiber assists puppies with maintaining optimal digestion and can also provide energy to help keep the Shiba Inu primed for performance.
Carbohydrates are another critical building block in the ideal food for a Shiba Inu puppy. Shiba puppies can be prone to allergies, and if your puppy is showing signs of itchy red skin or a gut upset, it’s best to discuss their diet with a veterinarian.
No diet is complete for the Shiba puppy without the addition of healthy fats and essential supplements to ensure the food is complete and properly balanced. The best fats are sourced from animal origins and can include such ingredients as chicken fat and oils from fish such as mackerel and salmon. Plant-based oils may also be used as sources of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
The best dog food for Shiba Inu puppies is a nutritionally-balanced diet, specially formulated for small breed puppies, to support a healthy rate of growth.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Shiba Inu Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Shiba Inu puppy:
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Complete proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
Shiba puppies require a diet that places a high emphasis on high-quality proteins. Whole proteins are preferable, but meat meals are also an excellent source of this important dietary building block.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
To help a Shiba Inu puppy to digest its food and to grow, the dog’s diet must be well-rounded through the addition of vitamins, minerals, and helpful supplements.
Glucosamine and chondroitin provide support for a puppy’s joints while probiotics and prebiotics work hand in hand to promote proper digestion.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All puppy foods considered for the Shiba Inu pup should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it is a complete and balanced diet.