The Shiba is very cute, but it also has its weaknesses. People often talk about its unstable temperament, strong will, and shedding. If you are raising a Shiba puppy, then food choice becomes especially important, because eating well is the foundation for healthy growth.
The Shiba needs plenty of exercise
Although the Shiba is a small hunting dog, it is still a hunting breed at heart. That means the owner must make sure it gets enough activity each day. It should not spend all day lying down indoors. Frequent outside exercise helps keep the body strong, and owners should build a daily walking routine from the start.
The Shiba sheds heavily
Anyone who has seen a Shiba knows that the coat is thick, a feature originally connected to life in the colder parts of Northeast Asia. Because of this, owners need to pay special attention to skin and coat condition. The Shibas thick coat also means that it can shed heavily during seasonal coat changes, which many owners regard as one of the breeds disadvantages.
Feeding the Shiba
Feeding is one of the key points. Until around four months of age, many owners feed a puppy about four times a day. Goat milk powder may be used, and egg yolk can also be appropriate. After around six months, feeding can usually be reduced to three times a day. Some people also use small amounts of animal liver. Once the dog reaches adulthood, two meals per day are often enough. In general, dog food should remain the staple, with meat provided in balance rather than excess. It is better to feed the Shiba to about eighty percent fullness rather than allowing it to overeat, and any diet change should be done gradually rather than all at once.
The Shiba is not especially greedy for food and is usually not highly picky. As an adult it often only wants to eat enough to feel satisfied. During puppyhood, however, it needs more protein and richer nutrition because the body is still developing. At this stage, because the puppy is more physically delicate, foods such as animal liver, egg yolk, goat milk powder, and other supportive ingredients may be used appropriately. Calcium and phosphorus are also essential for healthy bone growth.
Some people joke that apart from looking cute, the Shiba has very few advantages. That is perhaps an exaggeration, but there is some truth in the idea that the breed can be challenging for the average household. Even so, for many people, looks matter a lot, and the Shiba remains popular for exactly that reason.