7 Homemade Food For Shiba Inus Recipes for Sensitive Skin

1. Salmon and Sweet Potato Delight

This recipe is the gold standard for skin and coat health. Salmon is bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which are natural anti-inflammatories that help calm irritated skin from the inside out. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic, easily digestible carbohydrate source, rich in Vitamin A, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless salmon
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Bake or poach the salmon until it’s fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid adding any salt or seasonings. Let it cool and then flake it into small pieces.
2. While the salmon is cooking, boil the cubed sweet potatoes until they are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and mash them.
3. Steam or lightly boil the green beans until they are tender-crisp.
4. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, mashed sweet potatoes, and chopped green beans.
5. Drizzle with the olive or coconut oil and add the water to help mix everything together into a consistent, moist meal.
6. Stir until well combined. Serve once it has cooled to room temperature.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

This is the ultimate recipe for any Shiba suffering from dry, flaky skin or a dull coat. The powerful combination of omega-3s and vitamins directly targets skin health, making it a top choice for visible results.

2. Gentle Turkey and Oatmeal Gruel

When your Shiba’s skin issues are paired with a sensitive tummy, this recipe is a lifesaver. Ground turkey is a lean, easily digestible protein. Oatmeal is famously soothing, not just for human skin, but for a dog’s digestive tract as well. It contains B vitamins and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin function.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until it’s browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the water or broth, rolled oats, and chopped carrots to the pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Stir in the peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving. The consistency should be like a thick, hearty gruel.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

Perfect for the Shiba with a double-whammy of sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach. It’s a bland, gentle, and nourishing meal that gives their system a chance to calm down and heal.

3. Duck and Pumpkin Power Bowl

If you suspect your Shiba’s skin problems are linked to common food allergies (like chicken or beef), introducing a ‘novel protein’ like duck can work wonders. A novel protein is one your dog has likely never eaten before, so their body is less likely to have an allergic reaction to it. Pumpkin is a superstar for digestive health, packed with fiber and moisture.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground duck or boneless duck breast, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground duck in a skillet over medium heat until browned. If using duck breast, cook it thoroughly and then shred or dice it. Drain the excess fat (duck is a fatty protein).
2. Cook the quinoa according to package directions.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked duck, pumpkin puree, and cooked quinoa.
4. Gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Drizzle with flaxseed oil right before serving to preserve its omega-3 benefits. Mix well.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for the ‘mystery itch’ Shiba. If you’ve tried everything and suspect a food allergy is the culprit, this novel protein dish is your best bet for an elimination-style diet approach (with your vet’s guidance, of course).

4. Lamb and Quinoa Feast

Lamb is another excellent novel protein that is rich in essential amino acids and dietary fats, which are vital for maintaining energy levels in an active Shiba. Quinoa is a powerhouse seed (often used as a grain) that is a complete protein and provides great fiber. This combination is both hypoallergenic for many dogs and packed with muscle-supporting nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach
• 1 apple, cored and finely diced (no seeds!)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground lamb until browned. Drain the fat.
2. In a separate pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lamb and quinoa.
5. While the mixture is still warm, stir in the finely chopped spinach so it wilts slightly.
6. Add the diced apple for a touch of sweetness and extra vitamins. Mix thoroughly and allow to cool before serving.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

An excellent choice for the energetic Shiba who might have sensitivities to more common proteins. This hearty, nutrient-dense meal supports both their skin and their active lifestyle.

5. Chicken & Rice Rescue Mix

Sometimes, simple is best. The classic boiled chicken and rice combination is the first thing many vets recommend for an upset stomach, but it can also serve as a clean, simple base for a sensitive skin diet, provided your Shiba isn’t allergic to chicken. We’ll enhance it with some skin-loving extras.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled and shredded
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (with live active cultures)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup boiled and mashed carrots

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken breast in plain water until cooked through. Let it cool, then shred it with two forks.
2. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, and mashed carrots.
4. Just before serving, stir in the plain yogurt and sprinkle with ground flaxseed. The yogurt adds probiotics for gut health, which is closely linked to skin health, and the flaxseed provides a dose of omega-3s.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

This is a great starting point for homemade food beginners. It’s simple and gentle, but you MUST be certain your Shiba doesn’t have a chicken allergy, as this could make skin issues worse, not better.

6. Mighty Mackerel Mash

If you want to bring out the big guns for fighting inflammation, mackerel is your answer. This oily fish has one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) available. Paired with nutrient-rich kale and starchy potatoes, this is a powerful meal for combating serious skin irritation.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) mackerel in water, no salt added
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed
• 1 cup kale, finely chopped and steamed
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped

Instructions:

1. Drain the water from the can of mackerel and flake the fish into a bowl, mashing any bones (they are soft and a great source of calcium).
2. Prepare the mashed potatoes without any butter, milk, or salt.
3. Lightly steam the kale until it’s wilted and bright green. This makes it easier to digest.
4. Chop up a hard-boiled egg for an extra protein and nutrient boost.
5. Combine the mackerel, mashed potatoes, steamed kale, and chopped egg in a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Serve at room temperature.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

For the Shiba with persistent, inflammation-based skin issues like hot spots or severe allergies. This recipe is less of a daily meal and more of a potent, therapeutic dish to help get a bad flare-up under control.

7. Beef & Broccoli Balance Bowl

For Shibas who do well with beef, this recipe offers a hearty, iron-rich meal. Beef provides essential amino acids for strong muscles and healthy skin. Broccoli is a superfood, offering vitamins K and C, and coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can help improve skin and coat condition.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon organic, cold-pressed coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until it’s thoroughly browned. Drain off all the fat.
2. Cook the brown rice according to package directions.
3. Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, rice, and chopped broccoli.
5. While the mixture is still warm, stir in the tablespoon of coconut oil until it melts and coats everything evenly.
6. Let it cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros and Cons:

Verdict:

A fantastic, well-rounded meal for a non-allergic Shiba who needs a hearty dish. The combination of iron from beef and the skin-supporting fats from coconut oil makes it a great maintenance diet for a healthy coat.

A Shiba Parent’s Guide to Homemade Cooking

Switching to a homemade diet is an exciting step, but it’s not as simple as just mixing meat and veggies in a bowl. A balanced diet is crucial for your Shiba’s long-term health. Here are a few key things to keep in mind.

Talk to Your Vet First

This is non-negotiable. Before you make any significant changes to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist. They can help you ensure the recipes are balanced and appropriate for your Shiba’s specific health needs, age, and activity level. They can also recommend essential supplements to fill any nutritional gaps.

The Importance of Balance

Dogs need a specific ratio of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A diet consisting of only chicken and rice, for example, will be deficient in crucial nutrients like calcium. The recipes above are great starting points, but for long-term feeding, they will likely need to be supplemented. Common additions include:

• Calcium: Essential for bone health. This can be added via ground eggshells or a calcium supplement. Never add it without consulting your vet on the proper dosage.
• Omega-3s: While some recipes are rich in them, a good quality fish oil or phytoplankton supplement can give an extra anti-inflammatory boost.
• Multivitamins: A canine-specific multivitamin can help cover all the bases, ensuring your pup isn’t missing out on trace minerals.

Ingredients to Avoid

Many human foods are toxic to dogs. Always avoid feeding your Shiba:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many products)
• Macadamia nuts
• Cooked bones (they can splinter)

Batch Cooking and Storage

Let’s be honest, cooking for your dog every single day can be a chore. The good news is that all of these recipes can be made in large batches. You can portion them out and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes homemade feeding just as convenient as scooping kibble.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much homemade food should I feed my Shiba Inu?

This is a critical question and it depends heavily on your Shiba’s age, weight, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For a 20-pound Shiba, that would be around 0.4 to 0.6 pounds (or 6.4 to 9.6 ounces) of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. It’s best to consult your vet for a precise recommendation and monitor your dog’s weight and body condition, adjusting as needed.

2. Can I use different vegetables in these recipes?

Absolutely! Most dog-safe vegetables can be swapped in or added. Great options include zucchini, celery, bell peppers, and spinach. Just be sure to cook them to aid digestion. Always research a new vegetable to ensure it’s safe for dogs before adding it to the mix.

3. My Shiba is a picky eater. How can I transition them?

Don’t be surprised if your Shiba gives you the classic side-eye at first. They’re known for being particular! Transition slowly. Start by mixing a small amount of the new homemade food (just a tablespoon) with their old food. Gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the old food over a period of 7-10 days. Warming the food slightly can also make it more aromatic and appealing.