Food Sensitivity and Allergies in Shiba Inus (2024)

FAQs

Food Sensitivity and Allergies in Shiba Inus? ›

If your Shiba Inu vomits and/or has gas or diarrhea shortly after eating a food, the cause is likely to be an intolerance such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Most food problems are caused by: Proteins like chicken, beef, dairy products, or eggs. Complex carbohydrates like wheat, soy, and corn.

Shiba Inus can suffer from allergies, which fall into three main categories: food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. Be on the lookout for signs of the latter, which can include itching, redness and/ or hair loss.

Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec

ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms and can be used for dogs as well.

Symptoms of food allergies in pets include:

Smelly skin due to yeast infection. Changes to the skin and coat, including hair loss. Recurring ear infections. Diarrhea or soft stools.

The Shiba Inu is a popular and playful small- to medium-sized dog breed with a relatively healthy history. However, some Shiba Inus may experience sensitive stomachs and other issues that require special attention.

Onions, Garlic, Chives, & Leeks

In fact, all Allium plants can cause potentially fatal anemia in dogs and cats, including chives and leeks. Certain Japanese breeds of dogs, like Akitas and Shiba Inus, are extra sensitive to Allium plants, but the plants are dangerous to all dogs.

In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. We call this skin allergy “atopy”, and Shibas often have it. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.

Originating from the mountainous regions of Japan, Shiba Inu diets consisted of a variety of types, raw fowl and fish, vegetables and rice. Although our modern day Shibas have evolved through time, it is important to feed them a meal that reflects their original diet, in conjunction with modern day dog foods.

Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol, so get out that pet-safe peanut butter jar and share the good news.

When selecting what to feed your Shiba Inu, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish.

What food to avoid for a dog with skin allergies? ›

Beef, corn, dairy, and wheat are some of the most problematic ingredients. It may seem counterintuitive, but it can take a long time for symptoms of food allergies to become apparent. Often dog's appear to 'suddenly' become allergic to a food that they have been eating for months.

Food allergies can develop at any stage in a dog's life, even if they have been eating the food with no issues for years. A food allergy can't be cured but, by changing your dog's diet, the symptoms can be managed.

Shiba Inus are energetic, playful, and protective dogs but also willful and distrustful dogs that require a lot of physical and mental activity. Boredom or overcomplicated and aggressive training methods often breed bad behavior in Shiba Inus.

High-quality protein should sit at the top of the ingredients list for your Shiba Inu's food. Look for whole sources like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb to ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition. These proteins support muscle health and provide energy that keeps your Shiba Inu active and playful.

As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Shiba Inu, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. A raw diet contains, on average, 70% moisture/ water, which helps to keep your Shiba Inu properly hydrated.

Among pets, food allergies are less common than airborne allergies. Any breed can develop food allergies, but there may be an increased risk for Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, and co*cker Spaniels.

Shiba Inu are typically not hypoallergenic. In fact, if there were such a thing as being opposite of hypoallergenic, that would generally better describe these dogs. Shiba shed frequently, and twice a year when they blow coat (shedding of the undercoat), it may look like it's snowing inside of your house.