Shiba Inu's Forbidden Food List: What Not to Feed Your Shiba

It's crucial to know what foods are harmful to your Shiba Inu to ensure their health and well-being. This article details a list of foods that should be strictly avoided.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for your Shiba Inu.

Onions and Garlic

Onions, shallots, leeks, and garlic contain thiosulphate, which can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Even a small amount can cause severe hematuria (blood in the urine). Avoid feeding your Shiba Inu any foods containing onion or garlic, such as burgers, curries, or soups.

Bones

While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, it's not recommended. Large bones can splinter and cause injury to the esophagus and stomach, potentially leading to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some bones, after being thoroughly cooked in a pressure cooker until extremely soft, might be acceptable, however, the risks often outweigh any potential benefits. Bone marrow is a great source of calcium, phosphorus, and copper; however, there are safer ways to obtain those nutrients. Chewing on a large bone may help remove plaque, but there are safer dental treats to use. Always supervise and be cautious.

Raw Eggs and Raw Meat

Raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that can deplete vitamin H (biotin) in a dog's body, potentially causing hair discoloration. Both raw eggs and raw meat can carry parasites and bacteria, leading to diarrhea and other health issues.

Milk

The composition of cow's milk is different from dog milk, and it can cause diarrhea in puppies. While some healthy adult dogs might tolerate milk, it is generally not recommended, and some dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot digest milk well.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning. They contain high levels of glucose and fructose. This can lead to kidney failure in some dogs, even in small quantities.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods like chili peppers, onions, ginger, and garlic can cause allergies and digestive upset in dogs. It's best to avoid these ingredients completely.

Seafood

Seafood can be problematic for dogs due to high levels of histamine, which often triggers allergic reactions. It's best to avoid seafood if you suspect any sensitivity.

Animal Liver

Excessive consumption of animal liver can lead to vitamin A toxicity and calcium deficiencies. Limit liver intake to about three chicken livers per week (or an equivalent amount of other animal livers) to avoid bone problems.

Salty and Sugary Foods

The amount of salt in human food is often too high for dogs, putting extra strain on their kidneys and leading to skin problems and dehydration. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity and diabetes. It's important to keep these foods away from your Shiba Inu.

Mushrooms

While commercially sold mushrooms like shiitake and button mushrooms are not typically harmful to dogs, it's best to avoid them to prevent dogs from developing a taste for them, reducing the risk of consuming poisonous wild mushrooms during outdoor activities.Explore more:Pet Knowledge