
Choosing the right food for your Akita can be a daunting task, but it's essential for their overall health and well-being.
Akitas are large dogs with high energy levels, so they require a diet rich in protein and fat to maintain their muscle mass and coat health.
Their short coats also require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, but a balanced diet can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, so a food that supports joint health is crucial.
If this caught your attention, see: Why Are Dogs so Food Motivated
Nutritional Considerations
Japanese Akitas require a diet that is tailored to their sensitive stomachs and high energy levels. They can be prone to food allergies and intolerances, so it's essential to choose a food that is hypoallergenic and balanced.
Applaws Premium Dog Food is a great option for Akitas, as it is made with a single source of animal protein (chicken) and excludes common allergy-causing ingredients like wheat, soy, and dairy. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions and keeps their digestive system calm.

Growing Akitas, especially puppies, require a lot of energy and need a diet that features good quality protein. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult Akita requires an average daily caloric intake of 2206 calories.
A homemade diet for Akitas should consider their weight, health conditions, size, and activity level. To ensure a balanced and healthy diet, a homemade diet should include the six essential nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins.
Here is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance:
It's also essential to avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, which can weaken their immune system. Bakers Dog Food is a great option as it delivers optimal levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to fuel their active lifestyles.
Health Issues
Akitas with sensitive stomachs can greatly benefit from certain dog food recipes that take into account their specific needs.
The American Association of Feed Control Officials and pet nutritionists have developed guidelines for creating dog food recipes that can help alleviate symptoms of a sensitive stomach in Akitas.
A unique perspective: Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Large Dogs

Activity levels, age, and general health are key factors to consider when selecting a dog food recipe for an Akita with a sensitive stomach.
Spot & Tango takes the guesswork out of selecting the right dog food by using a questionnaire on their website that addresses these factors, ensuring a customized recipe for optimal wellness.
Sensitive Stomach
If your Akita has a sensitive stomach, it can be an indication of a food sensitivity, which is different from a food allergy. A food sensitivity can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Many dogs with sensitive stomachs can be helped by feeding a limited ingredient diet food with as few ingredients as possible. This can reduce the chance of a bad reaction to something in the food.
Spot & Tango recipes can help Akitas with sensitive stomach issues by addressing key factors such as activity levels, age, and general health. Their dog food is cooked in small batches in USDA-approved kitchens and shipped straight to your front door.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Bernese Mountain Dog Health
A dog food with a limited ingredient diet can be beneficial for Akitas with sensitive stomachs. Wellness Simple is one such food that features only five main ingredients and is easy to digest.
Here are some key characteristics of dog foods that can help Akitas with sensitive stomachs:
- Grain-free or limited ingredient diets
- Easy to digest ingredients
- Probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health
- Omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Dry Dog Food is another option that is grain-free with limited ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Risks
Making the right food choices for your Akita is crucial, but it's not just about what you feed them, it's also about avoiding potential risks.
Not understanding your Akita's nutritional needs can lead to serious health issues. Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in The Journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack essential nutrients.

Using inadequate or dangerous recipes can also put your Akita's health at risk. 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities, making it difficult to ensure your dog is getting the nutrients they need.
Neglecting your dog's health conditions is another risk to be aware of. If your Akita has a pre-existing condition, it's essential to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure their diet is tailored to their specific needs.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making homemade dog food:
- Not preparing a balanced meal
- Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
- Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
- Neglecting your dog's health conditions
- Not understanding your dog's life stages (puppies, adults & senior) nutritional needs
It's also essential to be aware of the risks associated with certain ingredients. For example, chocolate, xylitol, and onions are all toxic to dogs.
Diet and Nutrition
Japanese Akitas are a high-energy breed that requires a diet rich in nutrients to maintain their optimal health. They need a balanced and complete nutrition that meets their daily caloric needs.
A Japanese Akita adult weighing 100 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 2206 calories. However, this can vary depending on their activity level, age, and individual metabolism.
A different take: A Japanese Akita Dog
A homemade diet can be beneficial for Akitas, especially those with food sensitivities. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a 20% longer lifespan than those that don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of 13.1 years.
A homemade diet allows you to pick ingredients that won’t trigger allergies in your Akita. You can also easily calibrate the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to maintain a healthy body weight.
Here are the six essential nutrients all dog meals must contain to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for dogs:
Japanese Akitas require a diet that features good quality protein, and a balanced and complete nutrition that meets their daily caloric needs.
Feeding Options
Choosing the right food for your Akita is crucial to prevent health problems. Feed your Akita a large-breed puppy formula while he's still young to ensure he grows at a proper rate.
A large-breed puppy formula should have moderate amounts of protein and fat to support lean muscle mass and healthy development without going overboard on calories.
Once your Akita puppy reaches 80% of his maximum size, switch him to a large-breed adult formula. This will help prevent musculoskeletal problems later in life.
Look for a large-breed adult formula supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health. The Akita is at risk for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
To keep your Akita in good health, choose a diet rich in antioxidants. This will help prevent autoimmune diseases such as hemolytic anemia, sebaceous adenitis, Addison's disease, and Cushing's syndrome.
A balanced diet with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids will also support your Akita's immune system. This will help prevent conditions such as gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat.
Avoid feeding your Akita very large quantities of food to prevent bloat.
Broaden your view: Will Puppy Food Hurt Older Dogs
Puppy and Adult Care
Akitas are generally healthy dogs, but they do require regular care to stay happy and healthy.
On a similar theme: Heart Healthy Food for Dogs
Puppies need to be fed 3-4 times a day until they are about six months old, after which they can be switched to twice a day.
Adult Akitas need a balanced diet that meets their high energy needs, which is why they require a nutrient-rich food that includes protein sources like chicken and fish.
You might like: Do Small Dogs Need Small Breed Food
Senior
As we age, our furry friends do too, and their dietary needs change. Spot & Tango veterinary nutritionists follow strict guidelines issued by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Providing the highest quality food is crucial for senior dogs like Akitas. Spot & Tango cooks their dog food in small batches with the highest quality ingredients in USDA approved kitchen facilities.
Correct portions are shipped straight to your door in easy to open pouches, making it convenient for owners. Your Akita deserves the absolute highest quality dog food to live a long and healthy life.
For Overweight Dogs
Providing the right dog food for your overweight dog is crucial to its health and longevity.
Being overweight or obese is usually the result of overfeeding or not getting enough exercise. You can help your dog lose weight by cutting back on his portions and encouraging him to get more exercise.
Akitas are not wildly active dogs but they do need regular daily exercise so make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise and keep an eye on how much you are feeding him.
If your dog needs to lose more than a few pounds, however, you may need to consider a weight control dog food.
You should aim for your dog to lose no more than 3 to 5 percent of his body weight per month or about one percent each week.
Some dogs may object when you cut their portions or put them on a reduced calorie dog food. You can help your dog feel fuller by adding green beans (no or low sodium) to his meals.
Additional reading: What Nutrients Do Dogs Need in Homemade Dog Food
Healthy snacks such as carrots and apple pieces can also help your dog with his food cravings, especially when you are just starting to make changes to his diet.
Fromm Gold Weight Management is a quality weight control dog food for a giant breed dog like the Akita, with 25 percent crude protein and 10 percent crude fat, and 341 Kcal/cup.
Fromm also has a grain-free weight control formula called Fromm Gold Coast Grain Free Weight Management Dog Food with the same crude protein and fat percentages if you prefer a grain-free weight control food for your dog.
Readers also liked: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs
For Puppies
Puppies need higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels in their diet compared to adult dogs.
Their growth and development require a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
A puppy's diet should include these essential nutrients to ensure proper growth and development.
Akita puppies need to be fed 3 to 4 times per day.
Puppies require approximately twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same breed.
Skipping meals is not advisable during a puppy's growth and development.
Most puppies need a similar number of calories and the same type of food from 4 to 12 months of age.
As your puppy ages, you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.
A different take: Puppy Nutrition
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs have a more established routine and can be less demanding than puppies. They still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and stress.
Adult dogs need about 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be split into two shorter sessions. This can include walks, playtime, and training sessions.
Adult dogs can learn new tricks and behaviors at any age, but they may require more patience and consistency than puppies. Consistency is key when training an adult dog.
Adult dogs are often already house-trained, but they still need regular veterinary check-ups to stay healthy. Annual check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early on.
Adult dogs can thrive on a balanced diet that meets their individual needs. A high-quality dog food that's formulated for their life stage can help keep them healthy and energized.
If this caught your attention, see: Training American Akita
Tips

To make the most out of homemade Akita dog food, it's essential to set a consistent feeding schedule. This will help your dog feel secure and develop healthy eating habits.
Feed your Akita twice daily, with puppies under 12 months requiring 3 to 4 meals a day. Be sure to check with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Meal prep is a great way to save time and ensure your Akita is getting the nutrients they need. Consider prepping weekly or monthly, depending on your schedule.
To avoid overfeeding or underfeeding, measure and control portion sizes based on your dog's calorie needs. This will also help you monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly.
Remember to keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about five days. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low to avoid running out.
Here's a quick rundown of the best practices to keep in mind:
- Set a consistent feeding schedule
- Feed your Akita twice daily (puppies under 12 months, 3 to 4 times a day)
- Meal prep weekly or monthly
- Measure and control portion sizes
- Keep meals frozen or refrigerated
- Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low
As your puppy grows, be sure to increase their portions accordingly. This will help them get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Delivery and Considerations
When choosing an Akita dog food, consider the dog's age and health status. Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, so a joint-friendly food is essential.
For puppies, look for a food that contains high-quality protein sources like chicken or salmon, as these promote healthy growth and development. Akitas can weigh up to 130 pounds, so a nutrient-rich food is crucial.
Kibble size matters, especially for Akitas with dental issues. A food with smaller kibble pieces can be easier on their teeth.
Some Akitas may have food sensitivities, so a limited-ingredient diet or a food with novel protein sources like venison or duck can be beneficial. Akitas have a thick double coat, so a food with omega-3 fatty acids can help keep their coat healthy.
Consider a food with added joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health.
On a similar theme: What Food Is Good for Dogs Skin and Coat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat for Akitas?
For Akitas, high-quality protein sources include chicken, beef, fish, and lamb. Choose from these meats for a balanced and nutritious diet.
Featured Images: pexels.com