As a Shiba Inu owner, it’s important to know what foods your pup can and cannot eat.
While many foods are safe for humans, not all are safe for Shiba Inus. This is because Shiba Inus have a different metabolic system than humans, and therefore certain foods could be toxic to them.
While this list isn’t exhaustive, we’ve put together a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks that are safe for Shiba Inus to eat.
List of fruits Shiba Inus can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Shiba Inu can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Shiba Inu can or can’t eat:
Apples
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Shiba Inu. They’re also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Shiba Inus. But before you hand out apples to your pup, there are a few things you should know:
First off, make sure you remove the seeds and core from your apple before giving it to your Shiba Inu. The seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous to Shiba Inus, so it’s best to just get rid of them altogether.
Second, avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling that contain added sugar—it’s not good for Shiba Inus (or humans). If you want to give your Shiba Inu an apple treat occasionally, go for plain slices instead.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Shiba Inu to consume. The avocado fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin, so these parts are potentially more poisonous to your Shiba Inu.
Avocado oil is safe in small amounts. It’s important to keep in mind that Shiba Inus have different metabolisms than humans do, so you should consult with your vet before giving your Shiba Inu any kind of avocado product.
Bananas
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat bananas.
Bananas are a great low-calorie snack for your pup. They’re also high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Bananas are low in cholesterol and sodium, but they do have a high sugar content—so we should give them as an occasional treat. Remove the peel before giving it to your Shiba Inu; it’s difficult for them to digest.
You should also avoid processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings—these may contain added toxic ingredients that aren’t safe for your pup.
Blackberry
Blackberries are a great snack for Shiba Inus.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, and they’re also high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can feed your Shiba Inu fresh or frozen blackberries—either is fine. Just avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, blackberry-flavored ice cream (the last two will contain harmful additives), as well as anything made with artificial sweeteners.
Two blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight is a good daily serving size for your Shiba Inu.
Blueberry
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are a delicious fruit that Shiba Inus love, and they’re also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also high in sugar, so feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed, either is fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, blueberry pancake—these might contain harmful added ingredients.
Cantaloupe
Yes, your Shiba Inu can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is low in calories, but high in other nutrients like fiber and moisture. However, it contains sugar—so give your Shiba Inu a slice or two once in a while as a treat. Remove the rinds and seeds before giving it to your Shiba Inu. The rinds are a choking hazard, and the seeds could cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed whole, so remove them.
Cherry
Can Shiba Inus eat cherries?
No, Shiba Inus can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Shiba Inu and causes dilated pupils, which can lead to death within hours. If you think your Shiba Inu has eaten a cherry, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes
Grapes are toxic to Shiba Inus. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Shiba Inu, and the symptoms can be deadly.
If you suspect your Shiba Inu has eaten grapes or if you think he may have swallowed them accidentally, seek veterinary help immediately. The sooner he receives treatment, the better his chances of survival will be.
Mango
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat mango. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are essential for your Shiba Inu’s overall health. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants which will help keep your Shiba Inu healthy.
However, remove mango skin, pits to prevent choking in your Shiba Inu. Also, avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, mango ice cream as they may contain harmful ingredients.
The amount depends on the size of your Shiba Inu but one-quarter cup of fresh ripe mango once a week is enough to provide your Shiba Inu with all the benefits of eating this fruit.
Oranges
Yes! You can give your Shiba Inu oranges in moderation. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and moisture for Shiba Inus.
You should only give your Shiba Inu the fleshy part of the orange (no peel, skin, pith, or seeds). And you should only give them 1-2 sections as an occasional treat.
Peaches
Can Shiba Inus eat peaches? Yes, they can!
As long as you’re feeding your Shiba Inu small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches, it’s safe to feed them to your Shiba Inu. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, which are both good for their digestive health. However, remove the pit before serving it to your Shiba Inu as it contains cyanide.
Peach cobbler and peach pie should be avoided because they may contain harmful ingredients like sugar and preservatives.
Pears
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body, which may reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly.
Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.
Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that can be harmful to your Shiba Inu’s health.
Pineapples
Yes, your Shiba Inu can eat pineapple.
Pineapple is a tasty treat for Shiba Inus and contains vitamins, minerals, and bromelain—an enzyme that can help with digestion. It also has moisture, which can help keep your Shiba Inu hydrated.
The only part of the pineapple your Shiba Inu should avoid is the spiky skin and hard inner core. The rest of it is safe for them to eat! So, if you are freezing or cooking the fruit, these parts should be removed before serving to your pet.
If you’re looking for a healthy snack for your Shiba Inu, try plain fresh pineapple chunks or slices. You can feed them 1-2/3 small bites at a time, but don’t go overboard!
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin is a great choice and a great snack for your Shiba Inu.
Pumpkin helps with your Shiba Inu’s skin and coat, can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Shiba Inu, and can also help with their digestion. However, never feed your Shiba Inu pumpkin pie mix—only pure pumpkin is safe for Shiba Inus.
Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, so make sure you buy from a reputable brand. The amount of pumpkin you give your Shiba Inu varies with their size and activity level, but start with about a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a delicious treat and contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for both humans and Shiba Inus. They’re low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants.
Fresh or frozen strawberries have the same benefits, so use either. Just make sure you cut them into small pieces before serving so your Shiba Inu can enjoy all the nutrients.
It’s also important to remove the stem from the strawberry because it contains a chemical called salicylate, which can be toxic to Shiba Inus if consumed in too high of quantities. Also, processed strawberries should be avoided because they contain more sugar than fresh ones.
Watermelon
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat watermelon.
Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals, lycopene, and moisture. The flesh of the watermelon is safe and nutritious for your Shiba Inu. It’s best to cut it into small chunks to make it easier for him to digest. Remove the seeds, rinds, and skin from watermelon before giving it to your Shiba Inu.
Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight.
List of vegetable Shiba Inus can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Shiba Inu can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Shiba Inu can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat broccoli.
Broccoli contains nutrients that are beneficial to a Shiba Inu’s health. Broccoli stems and florets, both are safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces as they can be a choking hazard. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Cabbage
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat cabbage.
Cabbage is a healthy addition to a pup’s diet. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Red cabbage is more nutritious than green cabbage, with 10 times more vitamin A than green cabbage. It’s also rich in calcium and magnesium.
The best way to serve cabbage is lightly cooked or roasted. You can steam it for about 3 minutes or roast it for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). Just make sure there’s no salt or oil added.
One bite per 10 pounds of body weight per day is an appropriate serving size for your pup.
Carrots
Shiba Inus can eat carrots. In fact, they should eat carrots.
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie treat for your pup, and they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all things your Shiba Inu needs to stay healthy.
Raw, frozen or cooked carrots are all fine for Shiba Inus to eat. However, cooked carrots are better since they are easier for your Shiba Inu’s digestive system to break down than raw or frozen ones. Chop them into smaller pieces if you’re giving them raw or frozen carrots so they don’t choke on larger chunks.
Be careful giving your Shiba Inu too many carrots at once—one or two baby carrots is enough for a mid-sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat celery.
It’s a great treat for Shiba Inus because it’s low-calorie and full of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and moisture. It also has high fiber content. You can mix it with your Shiba Inu’s regular food or give it as a treat by itself.
Celery sticks are ok, especially for big pups. Celery leaves are ok too, as long as they’re organic and washed in warm water with a bit of vinegar to get rid of any pesticides that may be on them.
However, always cut the celery in bite-sized pieces before giving it to your Shiba Inu so they don’t swallow large pieces whole and risk choking on them. Start with one or two bite-sized pieces per day and work up from there.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a healthy snack for your Shiba Inu. Cucumber contains vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber. It also contains phytochemicals that help freshen your Shiba Inu’s breath.
The cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe for your Shiba Inu as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful food additives like salt and sugar.
The amount of cucumber you feed your Shiba Inu depends on the size of your Shiba Inu, but only one or two pieces per day is fine for most Shiba Inus.
Garlic
Garlic is a plant that contains a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which is toxic to Shiba Inus. The sulfur in garlic causes hemolysis (a breakdown of red blood cells) leading to anemia in your Shiba Inu. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Shiba Inu. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight.
Contact the vet immediately if your Shiba Inu ate garlic.
Onions
Can a Shiba Inu eat onions?
The answer is no. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis and anemia in Shiba Inus. Shiba Inus are particularly susceptible to onion poisoning because they lack the enzymes needed to break down this compound.
The toxic dose of onions for Shiba Inus is 15 gm/kg of body weight, so a 10-pound Shiba Inu might die from eating one medium onion (approximately 150 grams). However, smaller amounts can cause serious health issues and even death if not treated quickly by your veterinarian.
Zucchini
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat zucchini.
Zucchini is a low-calorie treat that’s full of vitamins and antioxidants. It also contains high levels of fiber and moisture that’s great for your dog’s skin and coat.
If you’re looking to give your dog some zucchini as a snack, there are several ways you can do so. You can feed plain raw or cooked zucchini—but make sure it’s washed thoroughly first! You can also steam or saute the zucchini before serving it to your dog.
One thing to keep in mind when feeding your Shiba Inu zucchini is that raw zucchini has more Vitamin A than cooked ones do. Cooking destroys vitamin A.
List of some other snacks Shiba Inus can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Shiba Inu can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Shiba Inu can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Bacon is a rich, fatty food with a high salt content. It’s just not good for your Shiba Inu.
Eating a large amount of bacon can cause pancreatitis, which is painful and potentially fatal. But giving your Shiba Inu small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm—especially if you’re giving it to them as part of a balanced diet.
Beef
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat beef. Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Shiba Inus in small amounts unless your Shiba Inu is allergic to beef.
Beef contains many important vitamins and minerals that your Shiba Inu needs to maintain a healthy diet. Beef broth, beef stew, and specialized Shiba Inu beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Shiba Inu.
Stay away from raw beef because there are some bacteria that can infect your Shiba Inu’s digestive system if ingested raw. Never feed cooked bone to your Shiba Inu, but larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy. For a 20 pounds pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pound of ground beef is sufficient if you select a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat bread. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Shiba Inus to eat. If you’re going to give your Shiba Inu bread, make sure it’s in moderation—a crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Shiba Inu. Too much bread can cause bloating and diarrhea.
Cheese
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat cheese.
Cheese is a good source of vitamins, fatty acids, and proteins. Many people like to give their Shiba Inus small pieces of cheese as a treat. However, there are some types of cheese that should be avoided if you want your Shiba Inu to remain healthy.
Mozzarella, cottage and swiss cheeses are safe for Shiba Inus because they do not contain too much salt and fats that might upset your Shiba Inu’s stomach or cause other problems.
Cheddar and blue cheeses should not be given to Shiba Inus because of their high salt content, which can lead to dehydration in some animals. Cream cheese also contains too much fats for Shiba Inus and should not be given as a snack either.
Chicken
Shiba Inus can eat chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein and vitamins, and it’s a good source of omega-6 fatty acids. Chicken also contains B vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it has less fat than other parts of the chicken. Avoid chicken skin as it contains a high amount of fat that can cause pancreatitis in Shiba Inus.
You can feed your Shiba Inu 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day (this will vary depending on what kind of diet you’re feeding).
Chocolate
If you’ve ever wondered if your Shiba Inu can eat chocolate, the answer is no.
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to Shiba Inus. The most toxic forms of chocolate include cocoa powder (which is almost pure cocoa), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, and dark chocolate. Milk chocolate is also potentially harmful to Shiba Inus, but it has less theobromine than other types.
If your Shiba Inu accidentally ate some chocolate, contact your vet immediately. The sooner they can get the Shiba Inu medical attention, the better chance they’ll have of surviving this poisoning. And please educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Shiba Inus so that accidental ingestion doesn’t happen again.
Eggs
The short answer is yes, Shiba Inus can eat eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a good choice for your Shiba Inu’s diet. For cooked eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
– We must cook the egg well-enough that no raw egg remains inside. The yolk should be solid and the white should be firm. If there’s any raw egg left in the shell or if it’s not cooked enough, your Shiba Inu could get sick from salmonella bacteria or other harmful ingredients.
– Raw eggs can contain avidin, an enzyme that prevents biotin absorption by Shiba Inu’s body. Biotin is an essential vitamin that helps with growth and development in animals and humans alike! If your Shiba Inu eats too much avidin at once, he could develop a deficiency in biotin that could lead to serious health problems down the line.
– If you grind up eggshells before feeding them to your Shiba Inu (if necessary), they’re fine as long as there aren’t any sharp edges left over from grinding them up.
Fish
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat fish.. It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals—and it’s safe for them.
But not all fish are safe for your Shiba Inu. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon and shrimp are safe for your Shiba Inu, but avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark, swordfish as they can contain heavy metals like mercury. Always clean them properly (de-boning and de-skinning) before feeding them to your Shiba Inu.
Icecream
No, Shiba Inus can’t eat ice cream.
Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can be toxic to Shiba Inus. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, panting, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.
Ice cream lollies, ice cream cones, Oreo ice cream, McDonald’s ice cream, vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream are all unsafe for Shiba Inus to eat. If you suspect your Shiba Inu has accidentally eaten ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat peanut butter in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats that can help your Shiba Inu stay healthy and happy. As long as you get the right kind of peanut butter — one that doesn’t contain chocolate or xylitol — it’s a great option for your pup.
However, always keep in mind that the amount of peanut butter depends on the size of your Shiba Inu. Start with a half teaspoon per day and see how they react to it before increasing their portion size.
Popcorn
The short answer is yes, Shiba Inus can eat popcorn.
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Shiba Inus to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Shiba Inus, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. They also have fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. So if you want to share your popcorn with your Shiba Inu (after all, it’s an easy way to get them some extra nutrients), make sure its plain air-popped corn kernels—not buttered or popped with other toppings like cheese or bacon bits!
Buttered popcorn or any kind of popcorn with other toppings like cheese or bacon bits aren’t safe for your Shiba Inu because they can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Shiba Inu’s digestive system. Additionally, un-popped or partially popped kernels can also be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Shiba Inu’s teeth—so don’t give them those either!
Turkey
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat turkey.
Turkey is safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Shiba Inu. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it contains more protein and less fat than dark meat. It also provides a healthy dose of minerals like zinc, iron and phosphorus. If you’re worried about feeding your Shiba Inu too much fat, stick to white meat only—or supplement with another lean protein source like chicken breast or fish.
Bones should never be given to Shiba Inus because they can splinter and cause internal injuries. The skin on turkey legs contains a lot of fat and should be avoided as well; it may cause gastrointestinal upset in Shiba Inus who eat too much of it. Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals.
Yogurt
Yes, your Shiba Inu can eat yogurt! It’s a perfectly acceptable snack for Shiba Inus that won’t give them any problems.
However, some Shiba Inus may have trouble digesting dairy products, so it’s important to monitor how your Shiba Inu reacts to yogurt.
If your Shiba Inu can digest it, the good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system—but only if you choose plain yogurt (not flavored). Yogurt with added sugar or artificial sweeteners isn’t a good choice for your pet.
One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Shiba Inus, but check with your vet before giving more than this amount.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a list of 37 common fruits, vegetables and snacks Shiba Inus can or cannot eat.
Whether you’ve been feeding your Shiba Inu some of these treats and wondering if they’re safe for him to eat, or if you’ve never heard of them before and want to know what’s in them, this article has answered all your questions.
You should also note that there are certain foods that are unsafe for Shiba Inus to eat, even though they may taste good to them. So follow the instructions clearly.