What to feed an Akita Inu: diet for a puppy and an adult dog

Features of feeding Akita Inu

Each owner chooses individual nutrition for his dog. But no matter what choice you make, you need to take into account all the features of this breed.

When preparing a diet, you must remember that this is a Japanese breed dog. The more “pure blood” a dog has, the more its diet should include Asian dishes - rice, fish, potatoes, barley.
Excessive consumption of protein foods should not be allowed: this can lead to allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis or digestive problems: you should give preference to fish over meat.
Akita Inus are very picky when choosing food, since genetically they do not have a “love” for those dishes that most dogs love. This means beef, pork, chicken or turkey.
They need no more than 18% fat, but as much as 25% protein.
Akita Inu are accustomed to eating healthy and light food that does not contain dyes or preservatives. This suits their lifestyle and helps them stay fit.
Dogs of this breed are allergic. They may have allergies to many foods that other dog breeds are familiar with. For example, turkey, chicken, beef, dairy products, especially fatty ones, corn, wheat, oats.
When feeding an Akita Inu, you can move away from the traditional principles of nutrition that are established in Russia. In the homeland of this breed, completely different approaches to feeding pets have been developed. There they feed the dogs both special food and natural food at the same time, which is why many Russian Akita Inu breeders adhere to just such a diet.
It is worth mentioning the American variety of Akita Inu. They are almost no different from ordinary dogs and can eat cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables.
Watch your serving size carefully - don't overfeed.
Keep the bowls from which your Akita eats and drinks clean. Separate the “sleeping” area from the “dining” area.

Akita food

Akita Inu dogs are fed both natural food and commercially produced food. However, when choosing the first option, it is necessary to take into account that their gastrointestinal tract is adapted to digest only light protein foods. Therefore, the diet should be selected especially carefully.

Animals are quite selective in food - a dog may refuse some foods.

The Akita Inu is one of the few breeds that can be fed two types of food. For example, she can eat meat porridge for breakfast, and dry food for dinner.

But before you switch your animal to a mixed diet, you should consult a veterinarian. He will take into account the characteristics of a particular pet and give individual recommendations.

Ready-made feed

The majority of breeders prefer to feed Akita Inu with dry food, which has several advantages:

owners are spared the need to stand at the stove;
high-quality food is perfectly balanced and fully meets the needs of the Akita Inu’s body;
you don’t need to think about what to cook for your dog today and buy food for it separately;
dry food is convenient for traveling - you can feed your pet at any time, regardless of the circumstances;
There are treatment lines that are suitable for animals with poor health;
The daily portion of food is always indicated on the packaging.

Dry food for Akita Inu should be premium and super premium, or holistic. Cheap food sold in any supermarket includes a lot of ballast substances, artificial colors and flavors. Therefore, it does more harm than good.

For Akita Inu, food based on rice or fish is preferable. They must not contain soy, corn, wheat or chicken.

Some dogs do not refuse food containing lamb, duck or rabbit. First, it is better to buy a small package to determine what exactly your pet likes.

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A good alternative to dry food is wet – ready-made food, produced in the form of canned food:

allow you to diversify your daily menu;
do not cause thirst;
have a richer taste;
their consistency resembles natural food.

However, you should not mix wet and dry food in the same bowl. They can only be given at different feedings, for example, dry in the morning and wet in the evening.

For Akita Inu, it is recommended to buy the following brands of food:

Acana;
Almo Nature;
Holistic Artemis;
GO! Natural holistic;
Canidae;
Royal Canin.

With natural nutrition, the owner is forced to personally select the proportions of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which causes difficulties for beginners. However, this approach is not without advantages:

the dog does not get bored with food, since different types of food are prepared for it;
the person is confident that he is feeding the Akita Inu with high-quality and fresh products;
natural food is as close as possible to the natural diet.

It should be remembered that if you feed your dog natural food, you must additionally give it vitamin and mineral complexes.

Akita Inu is allowed to feed:

lean meat - beef, horse meat, rabbit, lamb and game;
fish, algae, seaweed and other seafood;
by-products – kidneys, lungs, tripe, liver;
porridges – rice, millet and buckwheat;
fermented milk products - cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, yogurt without fillers, dyes and flavors;
vegetables.

The Akita Inu is treated to fruits – apples, bananas, peaches – throughout the day. A couple of times a week, add egg yolk to your food. It is advisable to add vegetable oil to vegetables and cereals so that the food is better absorbed.

Opinions and arguments on the topic of American Akita nutrition often clash. The majority support dry food, and a small part of the votes are given for natural food. Why is it more convenient and better to feed your dog commercial food? The answer is very simple, you will select food specific to the dog’s breed, and the entire mineral complex will already be in the dog’s diet.

Still, if you are determined to eat natural food, then you need to know the permitted products:

All sour milk. Try to choose low-fat products only or the fat content should be low.
Boiled eggs.
Meat (rabbit, beef, chicken, turkey).
Low-fat fish varieties.
Zucchini and cucumbers in any form (can be either raw or boiled).
Buckwheat and rice must be in the diet.
Fruits: banana, apples and pears.

What to feed an Akita Inu puppy

The nutrition of a puppy and an adult dog is radically different. At different stages of a dog’s life, different vitamins and minerals are required. As the puppy grows, he needs to consume a lot of calcium for growth and development, his food must be more nutritious and filling.

Akita Inu puppies should be kept on mother's milk for the first three to four weeks; Afterwards, you can begin to introduce ready-made food into the diet.

The main part of a puppy's diet should be meat. It should be approximately 75%. Another 15% is allocated for fermented milk products, and five percent for other products.

Approximate diet for an Akita Inu puppy:

Boiled meat - such as rabbit or veal
Kefir and cottage cheese are allowed from fermented milk products, but the fat content is not higher than 2.5%.
The most ideal grain that suits the Akita Inu is rice. You can also give buckwheat, but introduce it gradually, starting at four months of age.
Since this breed is prone to allergies, be careful with everything you give your pet, including vegetables. Before serving, they need to be boiled and pureed. Vegetables in normal condition can be given only from four months. Typically, Akita Inus prefer zucchini, carrots, eggplant or pumpkin.
Eggs to replenish protein.. They are hard-boiled, crushed and given to the pet along with cottage cheese or vegetables.
Once a week you can give boiled sea fish.
Two or three times a week you can treat your puppy to apples. Choose fresh varieties.

It is forbidden to give the puppy offal (but even if you decide, you need to boil them first, since the raw product contains a lot of fat), chicken, pasta, potatoes, pork, and lamb. Food from the table and various sweets are strictly prohibited.

Age characteristics

The needs of a dog's body change as it grows and develops. The health and well-being of your pet depends on a properly selected diet.

Up to two months

In the first weeks after birth, the puppy feeds on mother's milk, which contains all the necessary nutrients. At this age, Akita Inu puppies need to be fed about 6 times a day: at 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00. If your pet came to you before the age of two months, you can use special industrial milk. Then complementary foods are gradually introduced into the diet.

At two months

At this age, small Akita Inus are usually “weaned.” Puppies can have a hard time being separated from their mother. The first two days of being in a new place they whine. Many owners try to relieve anxiety with food, and as a result, Akitas experience the first food poisoning in their lives. To avoid this, ask the breeder in advance what kind of food the puppy ate with its parents.

Use puppy food. It can be finely crushed and dissolved in special milk for weaning. The volume should be such that the dog is full. Continue feeding 5-6 times a day at the same time. Gradually, low-fat calcined cottage cheese, sea fish, and finely chopped boiled veal are introduced into the diet. Once a week, be sure to give a boiled egg.

It is very convenient to use ready-made food. Natural food should only be freshly prepared and warm (not cold, not hot). If within 20 minutes the puppy has not eaten the food offered, remove the bowl and do not offer other food until the next feeding.

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At three months

At this age, the dog grows very quickly. Due to increased activity, four meals a day and water consumption should correspond to the daily diet of an adult dog. At the same time, the quality of food should change. The puppy is given more fish and meat than dairy products. To make the food more dense, small fish is added to the soaked food, half mixed with rice porridge.

This food is more suitable for the needs of Akita Inu than market dog food. Pay attention to your pet's appetite and needs, as well as the condition of its feces, skin, fur and muscles.

Meals are switched to three meals a day: at 7:00, 12:00, 17:00 and 22:00. A healthy Akita puppy should not be overly thin or overweight. Do not feed your pet; make sure that its sides do not “swell” after a meal. If the food remains in the bowl, you can reduce the portion by half until the Akita learns to eat all the food offered. And on the contrary: if the baby licks the bowl for a long time, it means there is not enough food and it should be added.

Never give your puppy game bones, poultry, sausage, pork, ham, fatty cheeses, bread, pasta and raw river fish. Also avoid legumes, sweets, potatoes and other foods that your dog doesn’t need. When feeding ready-made industrial formulas, your pet does not need additional mineral and vitamin complexes.

After six months

Energy for normal development requires less and less energy, mainly the skeleton develops. Therefore, the diet should no longer be so high in calories. If you continue the same feeding regimen, your pet will quickly gain excess weight and the bones will begin to deform. It is better for the puppy to be thin.

At the age of 6-12 months, the Akita is transferred from Pappy food (for puppies) to Junior. Gradually they begin to add adult formulas to the diet. Vegetables can be grated, meat can be cut into larger pieces. Cottage cheese and fermented milk products should only be low-fat.

Adult dogs

The diet of a mature Akita does not change significantly. Gradually the dog is transferred to two meals a day. The main amount of food should come in the morning. It happens that with low loads and a sedentary lifestyle, Akitas eat once every two days.

Old age

The first signs of a dog's impending old age are:

graying of fur (first on the face);
deterioration of hearing and vision;
low activity;
irritability.

If these signs occur, you should reduce the fat and calorie content of your diet (6-9% fat, 15-20% protein), and at the same time increase the amount of fiber to 5%. Add more pureed vegetables to your food, but not cereals. Give your pet low-fat fermented milk products. You don’t have to cook fish and meat, but simply freeze them. There is no point in grinding them. If your older Akita has bad teeth, simply cut the fillets into smaller pieces.

For an aging dog, the “Light” and “Senior” formulas are suitable. When planning a feeding diet for an older Akita, listen to your veterinarian's recommendations.

Features of feeding Akita Inu

Each owner chooses individual nutrition for his dog. But no matter what choice you make, you need to take into account all the features of this breed.

When preparing a diet, you must remember that this is a Japanese breed dog. The more “pure blood” a dog has, the more its diet should include Asian dishes - rice, fish, potatoes, barley.
Excessive consumption of protein foods should not be allowed: this can lead to allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis or digestive problems: you should give preference to fish over meat.
Akita Inus are very picky when choosing food, since genetically they do not have a “love” for those dishes that most dogs love. This means beef, pork, chicken or turkey.
They need no more than 18% fat, but as much as 25% protein.
Akita Inu are accustomed to eating healthy and light food that does not contain dyes or preservatives. This suits their lifestyle and helps them stay fit.
Dogs of this breed are allergic. They may have allergies to many foods that other dog breeds are familiar with. For example, turkey, chicken, beef, dairy products, especially fatty ones, corn, wheat, oats.
When feeding an Akita Inu, you can move away from the traditional principles of nutrition that are established in Russia. In the homeland of this breed, completely different approaches to feeding pets have been developed. There they feed the dogs both special food and natural food at the same time, which is why many Russian Akita Inu breeders adhere to just such a diet.
It is worth mentioning the American variety of Akita Inu. They are almost no different from ordinary dogs and can eat cereals, meat, fruits and vegetables.
Watch your serving size carefully - don't overfeed.
Keep the bowls from which your Akita eats and drinks clean. Separate the “sleeping” area from the “dining” area.

Reviews

Maxim, Moscow

“It is believed that Akita Inu are terrible allergy sufferers. This is partly true. But our dogs are active and happy, have healthy skin and bright coats, because we know how to care for them. It is better to eat tuna or salmon, as well as rice. It is better to avoid high protein feeds. Chicken and beef formulas consistently resulted in allergic reactions. Attempts to switch to fish food without grain caused instant scabies. In general, feed your Akita correctly! Be healthy!"

Irina, Kemerovo

“I am sure that traditional Japanese cuisine left its mark on the genetic factors in the digestion of these dogs. I was convinced from my Akita that the best food is fish. Salmon and rice are just the thing! My dog also eats fish because she is allergic to beef...”

“My Asahi also eats rice-salmon food. Turkey tails are going great. But beef and chicken make your chin bleed. And my eyes immediately start to water. She was also allergic to duck food, I remember it now. But he enjoys eating raw potatoes, onions and carrots.”

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Maria, Sochi

“My little experience with natural food feeding ended in complete failure. The imaginary shedding at six months turned out to be an allergy. Now I feed dry food, although my dog prefers natural food. He eats dry food without pleasure, and then he has to add either broth or liquid rice. I hope that over time we will be able to switch to a mixed diet.”

What to feed an Akita Inu puppy

Akita Inu puppies should be kept on mother's milk for the first three to four weeks; Afterwards, you can begin to introduce ready-made food into the diet.

The main part of a puppy's diet should be meat. It should be approximately 75%. Another 15% is allocated for fermented milk products, and five percent for other products.

Approximate diet for an Akita Inu puppy:

Boiled meat - such as rabbit or veal
Kefir and cottage cheese are allowed from fermented milk products, but the fat content is not higher than 2.5%.
The most ideal grain that suits the Akita Inu is rice. You can also give buckwheat, but introduce it gradually, starting at four months of age.
Since this breed is prone to allergies, be careful with everything you give your pet, including vegetables. Before serving, they need to be boiled and pureed. Vegetables in normal condition can be given only from four months. Typically, Akita Inus prefer zucchini, carrots, eggplant or pumpkin.
Eggs to replenish protein.. They are hard-boiled, crushed and given to the pet along with cottage cheese or vegetables.
Once a week you can give boiled sea fish.
Two or three times a week you can treat your puppy to apples. Choose fresh varieties.

Nutritional supplements for American Akita

If your diet is correct, it will provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs. However, there are some cases where it is necessary to increase the intake of certain nutrients through dietary supplements. These are the three most common situations:

The dog is sick or in the recovery phase.
The puppy is not growing properly...
Akita is pregnant or nursing.

In addition to these three situations, you should not use nutritional supplements unless they have been prescribed by a veterinarian.

Historical reference

Akita is the oldest Japanese dog, named after the province of the same name in Japan. According to the chronicle, her ancestors guarded houses from unwanted guests. In addition, they were excellent hunting companions for large animals.

After World War II, the US Military brought the Akita to North America. After crossing it with mastiffs and German shepherds, the American Akita appears.

In 1972, Akitas began to be divided into American and Japanese, with minor differences in appearance. Only in 1999, the American Akita dog breed received recognition from the International Canine Federation.

Features for different types of breed

The nuances of varieties of purebred animals include “elite” Japanese, which are rarely found in Russia. This subspecies has the habit of openly ignoring commands and performing only what is interesting to itself. When raising any Akita, you cannot use physical force: the pet will remember the offender and will take revenge for the rest of its life.

Japanese and American Akitas are cute dogs with unique personalities. Raising children should begin at an early age; training gaps in older individuals are difficult to fill. Proper nutrition and care will allow you to grow a smart and quick-witted dog from a baby.

Description of the breed

FCI Standard No. 344 dated January 29, 2015 “American Akita” Group 5 “Spitz and primitive type breeds” Section 5 “Asian Spitz and related breeds”

The height of an adult male is 66-71 cm, weight - from 50 to 68 kg. The female’s height is from 61 to 66 cm, weight is from 46 to 56 kg.

The dog is distinguished by a strong and powerful physique, harmoniously built. The large head is proportional to the body, has a large dark nose and triangular erect ears.

Nose color depigmentation is only permissible for dogs with white coats.

The Akita has a scissor bite and powerful, strong teeth. American Akita: the breed description contains large dark brown eyes. The neck is short, massive and thick. The fluffy wide tail tapers towards the end and is wrapped in a ring. The limbs are massive and proportional to the body.

The coat has a soft and thick undercoat that protects the owner from severe frosts. The fur is rough and very thick to the touch. The American Akita is long-haired: the dog's body is covered with about 6 cm of hair, the densest and longest hair is on the tail. But on the head and ears the hair is quite short.

The coat color varies, the most popular are:

white;
yellow-white;
dark brown;
brown-red;
pale red.

Undercoat and coat colors may vary.

Subtleties of training

Only an experienced person who has previously worked with service dogs can raise an animal at home. The breed is characterized by pride and stubbornness. Dogs will not do something if they are bored and don't like it. You shouldn't use force. If you are rude, the dog will stop respecting you. Only the owner should train the dog. Responsibilities include establishing rapport and arousing the animal's interest in activities. Stages:

At 5 months, the puppy should clearly know its name, its place in the house and the basic rules of behavior. Attempts to bite the hand are unacceptable.
From 6-8 months, training requires a serious and regular approach.
Training should be varied. If the dog is interested, he will learn a lot.

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Breed characteristics

The dog has a strong and independent character with a stable psyche. Keeping an Akita will be beyond the power of a beginner or a busy person: this breed requires serious training and care.

The American Akita does not tolerate rough treatment. It is necessary to show calmness and leadership qualities. In addition, the Akita needs the owner's attention - it is not left for a long time without communication.

These are quiet and peace-loving dogs, they practically do not speak.

You can hear a loud bark only in case of danger.

Dogs are indifferent to strangers and love those they see often. Akita is friendly to guests, but if there are no owners at home, then not a single person will enter the protected area.

The nature of the American Akita does not allow other animals in the house. She can be aggressive towards other pets.

It is necessary to walk an Akita on a leash - once released, it can run around the yard for a long time and scare stray cats and birds.

You should not leave her alone with the children. A dog treats children well if it has known them for a long time. However, the breed perceives overly noisy and active guys as a potential threat to the owner.

The dog is very loyal to its owner, but the dog's respect must be earned. Depending on the quality of your upbringing, you can buy either a loyal and peace-loving friend, or a huge, uncontrollable bully.

The dog is trained from puppyhood. If there is no experience, then a specialist is hired.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive qualities of the breed include restraint, silence, intelligence and immense devotion to the owner. This is an excellent hunting assistant and even a guide dog. The breed is clean, does not smell and does not cause problems with grooming. The American Akita is a born guardian, barks little and is not aggressive towards other people unless he feels they are a danger to his owner.

The disadvantages of the breed include excessive independence and jealousy. The owner of such a dog can be a person with leadership qualities who can show them to the dog and make it respect him. It is not recommended to bring the breed into a family with children, where there are other pets and children under 12 years of age.

Despite some difficulties in the upbringing and character of the American Akita, this breed remains one of the most loyal, calm and balanced. With proper upbringing, the breed will never attack the owner and members of his family, but will bravely defend the home and territory, and will become an excellent watchman, friend and companion.

Care, maintenance, feeding

The breed is characterized by cleanliness; Akita needs to be bathed occasionally and brushed regularly.

The coat requires special attention during the molting period: it will have to be combed daily.

The breed feels best in nature, so the best conditions for it are a booth or an aviary. However, if your Akita lives in an apartment, provide him with walks in the fresh air. Take care of the air temperature in the apartment - warm wool and summer heat can cause heatstroke .

The American Akita has a fairly heavy bone structure, so you should not force your pet to carry heavy weights.

What to feed adult dogs and puppies? Premium dry food and higher are allowed. If you choose natural nutrition, you must adhere to a balanced diet.

The puppy needs to be given:

fermented milk products (including low-fat cottage cheese);
boiled chicken;
sea fish;
fruits.

The diet of the American Akita must contain all the necessary vitamins for proper growth and development.

It is recommended to feed an adult Akita twice a day. The puppy is fed three times a day until he is six months old.

The diet of an adult dog should include:

sea fish;
various cereals (rice, buckwheat);
dairy products;
boiled meat.

How long does an American Akita live? The lifespan of a dog is up to 15 years.

What to give to a female during pregnancy and after childbirth

Pregnancy in Akita Inu lasts for 60-65 days. At first, in the first month, nutrition remains the same as it was before fertilization. If dry food was used, it is necessary to change it to special canned food for females experiencing pregnancy.

Starting from the last week of the first month, it is necessary to increase the serving size by 10 percent weekly, since the embryos begin to actively develop at this time. The diet should include more vegetable and fruit products, and also add fermented milk mixtures if there is no allergic reaction to them. It is recommended to supply the female with vitamin-mineral complexes (VMC) only on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

The fruits put pressure on the stomach and other internal organs, so it is necessary to feed more times a day, but in smaller portions. The pet should not overeat during this period, since excess weight can quite possibly cause early loss of babies or complications during childbirth.

Note! The female may refuse to eat during this difficult period. If your pet’s health is normal, then there is no need to panic.

After birth, feeding should be done 4 times a day. At the same time, it is worth giving your pet seafood, vegetables, cottage cheese and liquid cereals more often. After the second week, you can include meat products in your pet’s diet. The diet should be varied so that the puppies receive all the necessary nutrients.