8 Best Dog Food for Akitas [2023 updated]

Best Dog Food for Akitas, Akita food to avoid, Best Dog Food for Akitas puppy

Akita is more than just a Japanese variety, it is a national monument in its home country.

Akitas are large spitz-type dogs that were initially designed to hunt large game but are now generally used for protection or police functions as well as being a pet. 

These dogs are classified as a large or giant breed, standing 24 to 71cm tall and weighing 65 to 52kg at maturity.

The Akita is a bold and individual breed dedicated to loved ones but aloof from strangers. Although these dogs are extremely intelligent, they can be a challenge to train and could be quite territorial.

They also have a high prey drive and can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. With family, however, they are lively and affectionate and will stop at nothing to protect those they love.

Since the Akita is such a large and strong breed, they need a high-quality diet. The best Akita diet is high in protein with a moderate fat content and supplemented with joint support nutrition.

Best Dog Food for Akitas

8 Best Dog Foods for Akitas Reviewed 

All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.

1. Eagle Pack Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Brown Rice, Dehulled Barley, Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,549 kcal/kg, 330 kcal/cup
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Key Feature: With Grain, Natural

Reasons to suggest–

• Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Puppy Food provides high-quality, healthy food with protein, wholesome grains and fiber, and natural antioxidants. They use additives.

• The Eagle Bundle brand may not be among the biggest names on the market today, but it has been consistent in providing healthy, high-quality pet products over the course of two or more decades. 

• This brand focuses each recipe on quality protein sources, healthy grains and fibers, and natural fats with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. 

• The Eagle Pack Large & Giant purebred puppy food is a great selection for your Akita puppy as it includes double proteins (lamb meal and poultry meal) as well as plenty of healthy animal fats and digestible carbohydrates.

•  It is supplemented with DHA for brain and eye health, as well as many minerals and vitamins for immune support and nutrient balance.

2. Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Egg Product, Tapioca
• Guaranteed Analysis: 33.5% Crude Protein, 18.5% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 4,230 kcal/kg, 485 kcal/cup
• Lifestage: Puppy
• Breed Size: Large Breeds
• Key Feature: High-protein puppy food with calcium for large breed puppies

Reasons to suggest–

• Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is another great option for Akitas. 

• This meal is made with freeze-dried pieces of poultry, fish, and meat and comes in a delicious chicken recipe. This is also a grain-free formula; however, it is only designed for large breeds.

• This chicken recipe is high in protein with balanced fiber and fat so your little pup can maintain a healthy weight. 

• This meal contains d-Calcium Pantothenate and phosphorus to support healthy bones and teeth. 

• In addition to the above, there is also a variety of vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall well-being. 

• Plus, this is an easy-to-digest all-natural meal. Besides being made for small breeds only, the only other drawback is that this food is more expensive than others.

3. Merrick Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Turkey Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
• Lifestage: Senior
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free

Reasons to suggest–

• Merrick is committed to providing reliable, quality nutrition similar to what your Akita’s ancestors might have eaten. 

• Use boneless chicken as the first ingredient to present whole and safe proteins. Chicken and poultry meals offer additional calorie and protein support.

•  Includes potatoes but maybe not in the first 3 ingredients. Whole fruits and vegetables provide adequate vitamins and nutrients for a healthy immune system, and Merrick does not use synthetic dyes or additives. It is also free from wheat, soy, and wheat.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin provide additional joint help, while the polyunsaturated fatty acids in salmon keep skin healthy and coat soft as well. There are no gluten-free, so sensitive enough dogs need to be fine.

• The recipes were created in Merricks Organic Kitchen, and the company also supplies only quality components for each recipe. 

• The company is located in Texas and manufactures all products in the United States.

4. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans
• Guaranteed Analysis:  32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,980 kcal/kg, 509 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet

Reasons to suggest–

• A favorite of dogs and their owners, CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a simple food formulated exclusively for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

• Clearly moving away from known allergens such as wheat, soy, and corn. Instead, Canidae Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food relies more on a healthy diet of Lamb, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, and Sweet Potatoes. They are easy to digest and are good for gut health.

• Based on their dog’s reactions, most dog owners agreed that the Canidae Limited Ingredient formula is great dog food.

• Lamb is the main ingredient in this recipe. It also contains probiotics, essential vitamins, and minerals. It is completely free of hormones, antibiotics, and grains.

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Fish Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,487 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• Blue Buffalos formulation was created specifically to help large breed dogs maintain optimal growth and weight reduction.

• Dogs are given packaged food with no additional calories and no additives that can trigger weight loss that is detrimental to their development trajectory.

• It is grain and gluten-free and made without soy or corn fillers. Omega fatty acids help protect the skin and promote a healthy coat. 

• Whole protein from the starter ingredients provides building blocks for powerful muscle and an adequate development curve.

•  This formulation uses a sweet potato to deliver complex carbohydrates with loads of energy.

6. Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Rice Bran, Split Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3049 kcal/kg, 245 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: High Fiber, Human-Grade, Molasses-Free, Natural, Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Non-GMO, High-Protein

Reasons to suggest–

•  In case your Akita has a sensitive stomach, the standard of diet is very important. It must be prepared with natural and healthy ingredients with no additives or artificial additives. 

• It might also be a great idea to go grain-free if that’s what’s causing your dogs problems. This Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Large Breed Dog recipe is a fantastic example.

• Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, this formulation contains real lamb as the main ingredient with grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and chickpeas. 

• Nutro follows a clean feeding philosophy and that means you can be confident in the quality of dog food. 

• Plus, it helps to be corn, wheat, and soy free, which is supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption.

7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Peas, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,512 kcal/kg, 373 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• This recipe uses boneless poultry, beef, and venison for a complete and diverse protein source. 

• It features essential omega fatty acids to promote jacket well-being and contains complex carbohydrates to help maintain energy levels and a healthy weight.

•  LifeSource pieces from the Blues brand provide an exceptional source of vitamins and antioxidants.

• It is completely grain-free, so Sensitive Akitas should still have the ability to digest it well. 

• It uses fruits and vegetables primarily to provide antioxidant and nutritious support for a healthy immune system, as well as other probiotics for immune and digestive support.

8. ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food

Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
• Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content:  3760 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Puppy
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn No Wheat No Soy

Reasons to suggest–

• The Orijen company is known for producing high-quality pet food with only the best components available. 
• ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food is a great choice if you have an Akita puppy as this recipe comes with 38% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture

• ORIJEN features proteins from superior creatures such as free-range poultry, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs, just to name a couple.

•  Although almost all of their formulas are for mature dogs, they do provide a puppy recipe – that recipe from Orijen Puppy Big Dry Food. 

• This formula is packaged for 85% poultry, fish, and eggs with the remaining 15% fruit, vegetables, and plant products: the recipe is totally free of carbohydrates, potatoes, and vegetable protein concentrates. 

• You’ll also be happy to know that it includes dried fermentation products for probiotic support as well as fresh fruits and vegetables to offer natural resources for crucial nutrients.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Things To Look For In A Quality Dog Food For Akitas

• It is considered a giant variety, so it is essential that they maintain weight and that the puppies grow gradually. 

• Foods need to be packed with nutrients without a large number of empty calories for dogs to grow at the right speed. Otherwise, you can damage their bone structure and even cause difficulties in the future.

• They will need around 2200 calories each day for a typical 45-pound adult. Dogs that are smaller, less active, or have particular health problems may require fewer calories. 

• They perform well with moderate protein and fat content and you should avoid over-supplementation, which could cause dietary imbalances.

• Look for foods with high-quality protein from whole sources as starting ingredients. They also require complex carbohydrates from resources that do not cause a blood glucose spike, such as sweet potatoes. 

• Vegetables and fruits can provide a large number of vitamins and antioxidants to support immune functions.

• Essential fatty acids help maintain the skin dilemma. A double coat requires a good deal of maintenance, but healthy skin can reduce hair loss and keep the coat healthy and supple.

Ingredients To Avoid In Your Akitas Dog Food

• Akitas are particularly sensitive to soy, so it’s imperative that the food you select is soy-free, as this could contribute to some of the thyroid and immune system disorders that Akitas are more likely to be.

•  Other fillers can also cause difficulties as empty calories and food allergies are frequent causes of skin discomfort and digestive problems.

• Too many additives, such as corn and gluten, cause empty calories. Your Akita may eat more to recover lost nutrients through fundamental biological processes that induce excessive weight loss and enormous joint and bone difficulties.

•  Poultry by-products are also frequent offenders of resistant flare-ups, particularly in dogs sensitive to poultry fat.

• Some dogs may be at higher risk for a condition known as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dogs fed consistent levels of legumes and potatoes appeared to be at increased risk of developing the disease. 

• Even if the connection is obviously not established, you may choose to use your best judgment regarding those components.

• Many dog ​​food lenders and store brands are responsible for loading their food along with additives and additives. 

• Beneful is among the worst culprits of additives in nearly all major ingredient stains, as well as artificial colors and preservatives.

Akita feeding table

The total cultivated Akita is 2230 calories per day, while dogs (which often are around 27 kg) may require an average of 750.

Some specialized Akita breeders and owners only feed food once a day by fasting. routine to mimic Akita’s wolf-like tendencies and also to provide a break for the digestive system. If you are considering this course, have your vet accept it before starting.

Here are the recommended serving sizes for your typical Akita:

• Puppies: Portion size will depend a lot on the food and also on the individual pet. Puppies change so quickly that it is especially important that you take your vet’s advice into consideration for controlling the expansion and size of parts.

• Healthy adults: up to four cups a day given twice a day to help prevent migraines.

• Older Dogs: Senior dogs should get exactly the same amount of food since they are younger with one caveat. Veterinarians should closely monitor weight and adapt nutrition to account for reduced activity levels and some other long-term ailments.

Our FAQs And Akita Feeding Guide

How Much Food Should I Feed My Akita?

The amount of food you provide to your Akita will differ according to your weight and age, it also depends on the type of Akita dog food you choose. 

In general, however, you will be feeding your Akita somewhere in the assortment of 5 to 6 cups of food each day. Remember that the calorie content will change from 1 product to another, so consult the feeding recommendations on the package to determine how much you need to feed your Akita each day.

How Many Times A Day Should I Feed My Akita?

You have already learned the danger of gastric dilation, and also the best method to stop it is to refrain from giving your Akita too much food at the same time.

 It is usually recommended to feed mature dogs two meals a day, out during the day and during the day. In case your Akita is very busy, you might choose to offer him a midday snack to maintain his energy. 

Puppies can be fed three small meals each day, but make sure you don’t ingest your Akita so much that they develop an unhealthy weight.

What food should I feed my Akita?

When it comes to choosing some sort of food to feed your Akita, the cost is a considerable concern. Since you shouldn’t be looking for dog food based on cost alone, you need to know that your Akita may be over 45kg so hell will eat a large amount of food. 

Steak or new food is obviously an excellent option if you can afford it, however, the expense of feeding an Akita a new diet can be prohibitive. The cheaper alternative is most likely high-quality dry food.

 If you wish to enhance your Akita’s dry food with some wet food or food topper, then it could keep its skin and coat healthy.

What vegetables are good for Akitas?

While you may not think of vegetables as part of dog food, they could actually be very valuable. In addition to providing an increase in dietary fiber, the new vegetables also act as natural resources for essential nutrition in dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for dogs:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Spicy curry
• Zucchini

If it comes to high protein vegetables like peas and potatoes, be cautious about placing them on the ingredient list if they are too close to the beginning, they are a substantial contributor to the full protein content of the recipes.

Do Akitas Want Grain-Free Dog Food?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of grain-free dog food in general. Whether your Akita craves a grain-free diet depends primarily on its ability to digest fat. 

Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal are appropriate for many dogs, however, your Akita may be allergic or allergic to grains. When you suffer from frequent ear infections, skin problems, or digestive upset.

it could be an indication of a food sensitivity or allergy and the grains could be the offender. Aside from the health need to obey a grain-free diet plan, however, your Akita should be successful with a routine or grain-free diet plan.

Warning: Our reviews on the Best Dog Food for Akitas are mostly based on information from experts and manufacturers. We test many products, but it is impossible to test them all. That said, we ask that you remember that the recommendations above are opinions, and before using a treatment, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.

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