Leena Watts
The Shiba Inu is a breed with specific dietary requirements. Their diet should consist of meat and proteins, with internal organs such as liver and gizzards being a good source of nutrients. While some dog owners prefer to feed their pets raw meat, others opt for cooked and unseasoned meat to aid their Shiba Inu's digestion. It is important to note that some raw meats, such as chicken, can be dangerous due to the risk of bones splintering and causing damage to the dog's GI tract. Chicken bones should only be given to dogs that chew slowly and thoroughly. Additionally, some vegetables, grains, and legumes can be included in their diet, but these should be cooked and unseasoned to avoid digestive issues.
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What You'll Learn
Raw meat is generally safe for Shiba Inus
The biggest advantage of feeding raw meat to your Shiba Inu is providing them with fresh food free from excessive processing. Fresh raw proteins are more biochemically complex and have bioactive compounds, along with higher amounts of antioxidants and certain flavonoids. Additionally, raw foods are exposed to fewer carcinogens and oxidative stress caused by the cooking process.
However, it is important to note that a raw diet requires more food by volume to provide the same nutrition as lightly cooked foods. This means that older Shiba Inus, or those with lower immunity, may not be suited to a solely raw diet. In addition, raw food can be more difficult to handle and store, and may pose a risk of contamination.
To ensure a balanced diet, it is recommended to rotate your Shiba Inu's meals and include a variety of different ingredients, such as seafood, red meats, plant matter, and appropriate supplements. Commercially available raw diets should be from reputable companies that have consulted veterinary nutritionists.
If you choose to feed your Shiba Inu raw meat, it is important to practice good hygiene and thoroughly wash all surfaces, bowls, and equipment after use.
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Commercial raw food vs homemade raw food
There are several factors to consider when deciding between commercial and homemade raw food for your dog, including convenience, cost, and balanced nutrition.
Commercial raw food is a convenient option for busy dog owners as it comes pre-made and pre-formulated with the correct ratios of meat, organs, bones, and other essential nutrients. This ensures your dog receives a balanced diet without the hassle of preparing and handling raw meat. Additionally, some brands offer a variety of protein sources, such as rabbit, venison, or pheasant. However, it is important to note that commercial raw food can be more expensive than homemade options.
On the other hand, homemade raw food offers complete control over the ingredients and their sources. This level of customization is beneficial for dogs with specific health needs, food sensitivities, or allergies, as you can adjust the ingredients and portions accordingly. It also allows you to choose high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients to ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrition. Preparing homemade raw food can be time-consuming and messy, but it is generally less expensive than commercial raw food.
When preparing homemade raw food, it is important to ensure that the diet is balanced and provides all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for your dog's sustained health. A general formula for homemade raw dog food includes 50% muscle meat, 10% organ meat, 15% raw bone, 20% vegetables, 5% fruit, and a healthy fat source. It is also important to be cautious of potential health risks associated with handling raw meat, as recommended by the FDA.
Some people may choose to start with commercial raw food and then transition to homemade raw food as they become more comfortable with raw feeding. Ultimately, the decision between commercial and homemade raw food depends on your lifestyle, budget, and individual preferences.
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The benefits of raw meat
While some sources suggest that rare meat can be included in a Shiba Inu's diet, it should not be fed exclusively. Raw meat can be a great way to supplement your Shiba Inu's diet with fresh, natural, and unprocessed foods.
Improved Nutrition
Raw meat is a good source of high-quality, easily digestible protein, which is essential for a dog's overall health and immunity. A variety of fresh meat proteins ensure access to a range of micronutrients. In addition, raw meat-based diets can help dogs avoid the harmful effects of processed foods, which often include unhealthy fillers, additives, and preservatives.
Enhanced Dental Health
Raw, meaty bones act as a natural toothbrush for dogs, helping to remove plaque and tartar buildup. The chewing action stimulates gums and promotes blood circulation, supporting the overall health of oral tissues.
Skin and Coat Health
Raw diets are known to support skin and coat health, often containing omega-3 fatty acids, which provide anti-inflammatory benefits, perfect for dogs with allergies or skin issues.
Fresher Breath
Including natural, healthy ingredients like celery and occasionally peppermint in a raw diet can help freshen a dog's breath.
Reduced Contaminants
Commercial dog foods may contain contaminants and harmful chemicals, whereas raw diets offer pet owners more control over the ingredients included in their dog's diet.
It is important to note that a raw diet for a Shiba Inu should be carefully planned to ensure it is balanced and includes all the necessary nutrients. Consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your dog's nutritional needs are met and to avoid any potential nutritional imbalances.
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Preparing and storing raw meat
Preparing Raw Meat:
- Sourcing Meat: When sourcing raw meat for your Shiba Inu, opt for high-quality, ethically sourced meat that is free from excessive processing. You can purchase meat from reputable companies that specialise in raw pet food, ensuring it has undergone microbiological safety tests. Alternatively, you can buy meat from your local butcher shop or grocery store, choosing the same quality of meat you would feed your family.
- Variety: Provide a variety of meats, such as beef, chicken, turkey, or fish. Include organs, bones, and other animal parts like chicken necks, turkey feet, liver, hearts, and more.
- Supplements: To ensure a balanced diet, consult with a veterinary nutritionist to determine the necessary supplements, which can include natural or synthetic options.
- Preparation Area: Ideally, designate a separate area in your kitchen specifically for preparing your Shiba Inu's raw food. If space doesn't allow, be diligent about cleaning and sanitising counters, utensils, chopping boards, and surrounding areas after each use.
- Handling: Never rinse raw meat, as this can spread harmful bacteria. Be cautious when opening packaging to avoid spraying juices on surrounding areas.
- Cross-Contamination: Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and chopping boards for pet food preparation. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat.
- Thawing: Do not thaw raw meat on the counter at room temperature. Instead, thaw it at the bottom of the fridge in a leakproof container to prevent bacterial growth.
- Feeding Area: Designate a special feeding area for your dog to minimise the spread of harmful bacteria. Provide food in a bowl or on a tray that can be easily cleaned.
Storing Raw Meat:
- Storage Temperature: Store raw meat intended for your Shiba Inu at temperatures between 0-5°C. Use a separate fridge for pet food if possible; otherwise, store it at the bottom of your regular fridge in a sealed container.
- Storage Duration: Raw ground meats, poultry, and seafood for pet consumption should be used within 1 to 2 days of refrigeration. Raw roasts, steaks, and chops can be stored for 3 to 7 days. Do not refreeze thawed raw meat.
- Leftovers: If your dog doesn't finish their raw food, promptly pick up and store leftovers in the refrigerator for the next meal. Discard any food left out unattended.
- Clean-up: Disinfect countertops, utensils, feeding bowls, and all surfaces that have come into contact with raw meat using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher's sanitise setting.
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The drawbacks of raw meat
While raw meat can play an essential role in a healthy diet for dogs, providing a variety of essential nutrients, there are several drawbacks to feeding your Shiba Inu a raw meat diet.
Firstly, raw meat may contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can lead to infections in your dog, especially if they have a weakened immune system due to cancer or other serious health issues. Even if your dog appears healthy, bacteria can worsen underlying health issues or bring them to the surface. Additionally, the specific vitamins and minerals crucial to dog nutrition may be lacking in a raw meat diet, leading to deficiencies. Conversely, an excess of protein, fat, or other nutrients can cause issues such as anaemia, low bone density, and liver failure.
Another drawback of feeding raw meat is the risk of contamination during handling and consumption. Raw foods commonly harbour pathogens, which can be transferred to your Shiba Inu's mouth and the surrounding environment. This increases the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria and parasites.
Preparing a raw meat diet for your Shiba Inu can also be time-consuming and labour-intensive. It requires sourcing raw proteins, cutting, grinding, packing, storing, and cleaning. Additionally, the cost of raw meat can be substantially higher than that of regular dog food, especially if you opt for human-grade fresh meat.
Furthermore, older Shiba Inus should not be fed a solely raw diet as their immunity is lower, and eating raw food requires more effort for them. They would need to consume a larger volume of raw food to obtain the same nutrition as they would from a smaller amount of lightly cooked food.
While raw meat can provide nutritional benefits, it is important to be aware of these drawbacks and take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of your Shiba Inu. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinary nutritionist to determine the most suitable diet for your dog.
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Frequently asked questions
While some sources claim that rare meat is safe for dogs to consume, veterinary associations and public health agencies discourage raw diets due to the risk of pathogens in raw meat that may cause illness in dogs, cats, and humans. It is recommended that you consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
Feeding your Shiba Inu rare meat can provide them with fresh food that is free from excessive processing. It can also be a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, a raw diet allows you to have full control over the ingredients, making it easier to manage your dog's food allergies or intolerances.
The risks of feeding rare meat to your Shiba Inu include the potential for bacterial contamination, such as Salmonella and E. coli. It can also be difficult to ensure that a raw diet is nutritionally balanced, and it may require more time and effort to source, prepare, and store the food.
It is important to gradually introduce new ingredients to your dog's diet and observe for any signs of allergies or intolerances. You should also take your dog for regular vet check-ups and request bloodwork to spot any abnormalities.
Some alternatives to feeding your Shiba Inu rare meat include lightly cooked meats, commercial frozen raw diets formulated by veterinary nutritionists, or homemade meals prepared with safe and nutritious ingredients such as chicken, rice, eggs, fish, and vegetables. It is important to ensure that your dog's diet is nutritionally balanced and meets their individual needs.
