I want to know how much and how often to feed my Shiba Inu! Explanation by age from puppy to senior
Shiba Inu dogs are said to be relatively picky eaters. For their health, you may be wondering how much food to feed them.
Even though they're called Shiba Inu dogs,
- Puppies
- Adult Dogs
- Senior Dogs
- Small Dogs
- Large Dogs
Various
This article explains the appropriate amount and frequency of meals for Shiba Inu dogs by age, for owners who are worried that their dog is getting a little chubby despite following the instructions on the dog food package.
Knowing the optimal amount and frequency of meals for your dog will help prevent obesity and maintain their health.
The amount of food a Shiba Inu needs varies by age
Shiba Inu dogs are said to be prone to obesity.
Many Shiba Inu dogs are very greedy, so if you give them too much food or treats just because they want it or because you think it's cute, they'll quickly become overweight, so be careful.
Obesity, just like in humans, poses a health risk to dogs, so it's very important for owners to properly manage their dog's diet for the sake of their beloved dog's health.
The amount of food a Shiba Inu needs varies depending on its age, amount of exercise, and constitution. Therefore, it's important to understand and practice the appropriate feeding amounts and frequency for each life stage.
Shiba Inus are expressive, and their cute faces when they want a treat are adorable. However, to maintain your dog's health, owner patience is also important.
[Age-Based] Amount and Frequency of Feeding a Shiba Inu
The amount of energy a growing puppy needs per day differs from that of a senior dog whose activity level has decreased. Therefore, to prevent obesity and maintain health, it is important to know the amount and frequency of meals appropriate for your dog's life stage.
Here's how much and how often a Shiba Inu needs to eat per day, by age.
Puppyhood (Up to 1 Year Old)
Puppies grow during this period, requiring a lot of exercise and energy consumption, which is crucial for building a healthy body. During this period, don't reduce the amount of food you feed them out of concern for obesity. Make sure to provide them with the necessary amount.
Some Shiba Inu dogs tend to be obsessed with food, but adjusting their food intake should be done after they reach adulthood.
We've summarized the recommended daily dog food intake based on age and how many feedings you should give them.
| Age | Recommended daily amount | Number of times per day |
| 2-3 months | 135-145g | 3-4 times | 4-5 months | 140-165 g | 2-3 times |
| 6-7 months | 160-185g | 2-3 times |
| 8-9 months | 140-165g | 2-3 times |
| 10-12 months | 140-155g | 2-3 times |
Adult Dog Stage
Adult dogs no longer need the high calorie diets they did as puppies. The number of meals also stabilizes at two times a day.
In particular, Shiba Inu dogs begin to show individual differences in physique at this age, so the recommended amount varies widely. Adjust the amount depending on your dog's weight: 75-120g for a 5kg dog, 90-190g for a 10kg dog, etc.
Also, if your dog is active, they will burn a lot of energy, so it's okay to feed them a little more than the recommended amount. Conversely, make sure to keep in mind that the more you eat, the more you move.
| Age | Recommended Daily Amount | Number of Times Per Day |
| 1-10 Years Old | Approximately 75-190g | Two Servings |
Senior Stage
Because Shiba Inu dogs are small breeds, they generally enter their senior years around the age of 10.
During their senior years, they become less active and their digestive function weakens, causing them to eat less at a time. If you notice that they are losing their appetite, it's a good idea to reduce the amount of food you give them at one time and divide it into three or four meals per day.
Once you start to need to adjust the number of meals, we recommend slowly switching them to dog food designed for senior dogs.
| Age | Recommended daily amount | Number of times per day |
| 10 years and older | Approximately 75-150g | 3-4 times |
Pay attention to the calories you need per day
To maintain your dog's weight, you first need to know how many calories it needs per day. Different types of dog food contain different amounts of calories, so knowing your dog's calorie needs will help you accurately determine the amount of food they need.
Calculation formula for daily calorie intake
(Weight x 30 + 70) x Index = Daily Calorie Intake
The index here refers to your dog's constitution and age.
Use the following table to calculate your dog's daily calorie intake.
Example) For a neutered senior dog with an ideal weight of 10kg:
(10kg x 30 + 70) x 1.2 = 444 kcal/day
The calorie intake required per day is 444 kcal.
【Index】
| Age | Condition | Index |
| Senior | Not Spayed/Neutered | 1.4 |
| Senior | Spaunched/Neutered | 1.2 |
| Adult | Not Spayed/Neutered | 1.8 | Adult | Spaunched/Neutered | 1.6 | Adult | Gestation (1-4 weeks) | 2 |
| Adult | Gestation (5-6 weeks) | 2.5 |
| Adult | Gestation (7-8 weeks) | 3 |
| Adult | Nursing | 4.0-8.0 |
| Adult | Prone to obesity | 1.4|
| Puppy | Under 4 months | 3 |
| Puppy | 4-9 months | 2.5 |
| Puppy | 10-12 months | 2 |
Things to note for dogs with a strong appetite
Healthy Shiba Inus have a strong appetite, and even after finishing a meal, they often ask for more.
If you allow your Shiba Inu to eat as much as it wants, it's likely to become obese. Owners need to understand that the amount of food a Shiba Inu needs does not necessarily correlate with its appetite.
It's important to resist the urge to feed them too much and to set a limit on mealtimes. To reduce the stress of not being able to eat, make sure to give them plenty of exercise and walks.
Summary
The look on a Shiba Inu's face when it wants a treat is truly adorable.
However, feeding your dog as much as it wants just because it's happy is not good for your dog. To ensure your dog stays healthy and active, avoid obesity, which can lead to illness.
Dog food packaging will indicate the recommended feeding amount, so there's generally no harm in feeding it according to that amount. However, knowing your dog's calorie needs as accurately as possible will help you ensure that you're feeding it exactly what's recommended.
Learn the optimal feeding amount and frequency for your dog and keep him healthy and eating delicious meals.
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