I bet you didn’t know that Shiba Inus were considered a national treasure in Japan! Not only are these fluffy and adorable dogs loved for their personality and appearance, they’re also known for their strong and healthy constitutions. Keeping your Shiba Inu as healthy as possible means paying close attention to their diet, and one unexpected way to add some nutrition to their meals is by incorporating certain fruits!
Fruits? You may ask. Aren’t dogs carnivores? Yes, dogs – especially Shiba Inus – primarily thrive on a diet of meat. But incorporating fruits could provide extra nutrients, antioxidants, and water needed to ensure your Shiba is at their healthiest. The key is knowing which fruits to feed them, and which to steer clear from.
The top spot belongs to blueberries. Yes, you heard it right! Blueberries are hailed as one of the best fruits to feed your Shiba Inu. These little power-packed fruits are full of antioxidant properties and are a great source of vitamins C and E, fiber, and manganese which are beneficial for your Shiba Inu’s health. They even help in preventing cell and tissue damage in dogs due to their rich antioxidant content. Blueberries are also low in calories and sugars making them a healthy treat alternative.
On a warm Monday morning, try tossing a few chilled blueberries in your Shiba’s dish for a refreshing snack, or mix them in with their regular food for a tasty and nutritious boost.
Bananas are another fruit you can incorporate into your Shiba Inu’s diet. This fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin B6 and C, potassium, and fiber. While bananas may be sweet, they can also act as an occasional treat for your Shiba Inu. Due to their high sugar content, bananas should only be given in moderation. A few slices now and then would be beneficial to your Shiba Inu without being detrimental to their health.
Apples too make the list – but with an important caveat. Apples are a fantastic source of Vitamins A and C, not to mention dietary fibre. However, it’s crucial to remove the seeds and core before feeding apples to your Shiba Inu. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts.
Oranges, in small quantities, can also be a good fruit snack for your Shiba Inu. They are a powerful source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and Fiber. But, due to their high sugar content just like bananas, oranges too should be given only occasionally, and minus the seeds and peel.
While we’ve talked about fruits that are good for your Shiba Inu, it’s also critically important to know which fruits you should avoid feeding them.
Grapes and the similar-looking raisins should be kept away from your Shiba Inu. They can cause severe kidney damage in dogs. Cherries too can be dangerous as they contain cyanide, especially in their pits.
Remember, while fruits can provide valuable nutrients, they should never make up more than 10% of your Shiba Inu’s diet. The keystone of their diet should always be a balanced, protein-based dog food. However, if you want to give them a treat or add a burst of nutrition to their meals, the fruits mentioned above can be a wonderful addition. As always, introduce new foods gradually and note their reaction.
In conclusion, while Shiba Inus might be carnivores at heart, they can benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fruits provide. Just remember to offer fruits in moderation and always opt for fruits like blueberries, bananas, apples and oranges that are safe and beneficial for them. And now, you can confidently assure them that you’re not only their best friend, but also their health-conscious, personal nutritionist.
By feeding them a balanced diet with occasional fruity treats, you’ll not only have a happy Shiba Inu, but possibly also earn a few extra tail wags! After all, isn’t a healthy Shiba Inu a happy Shiba Inu?
