Akita Dog Breed- The 5 Minute Guide to Feeding & Weight Management

Akitas are large sized dogs with special dietary requirements. Any compromise with their diet will lead to serious health concerns in the dogs. Akitas are more familiar with natural diet, so it will be better if they are fed that way only. The following article teaches various aspects related to the feeding of this graceful dog:

What to feed?

Traditionally, rice, fish and sea plants were the main foods of Akita dogs.

There should be a perfect balance of all the nutrients in the diet of an Akita for proper growth of the dog. Premium puppy food should be fed to them till the age of 4 months.

When you are feeding the home made food to an Akita, make sure that fresh ingredients are used in making the food and no preservatives have been used.

Meat will be the best source of protein for Akita dogs. Rice should be fed to the dog to meet the carbohydrate requirement. Vegetables should be there in the diet of Akita to ensure that your dog is having enough vitamins and minerals.

Meal frequency:           

How much and how often a dog should be fed depend on his age, activity level, build and metabolism. In broader terms, Akita should be fed at least two times in a day. Quality complete dry food should be the main element of the diet of your dog.

Some owners also recommend feeding Akita one large meal in a day but that may result into digestive problems.

As you are feeding your dog only twice a day, he will be eager to eat every time you serve him which may result in ingestion issues such as bloating. To solve the problem, you are advised to buy special bowls which will slow the consumption rate by the dog.

Many Akita owners keep their dog on fast once in a week.

How much?

An adult Akita should be fed 5-6 cups of quality dry food divided into two meals.

However, a slight deviation from this amount is possible depending upon the size, age and activity level of the dog.

Initially, you should start giving him 1.5 cup in one meal and see whether he eats all or leaves food in the bowl. Depending on his action, you can increase or decrease the amount.

Weight management:

You can simply find whether your dog is obese or not by a simple hands on test. Place your hand on the back of dog. Spread your fingers downward and keep the thumb along the spine. By doing this, if you can feel his ribs without applying any pressure, the dog is not obese. If you feel a need of pressing to observe the ribs, chances are thick that your dog has become obese.

If you can see his ribs, your dog is thin and should be fed more.

What to avoid:

These foods should not be fed to your Akita:

• Apple cores
• Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Cooked bones
• Caffeine
• Raisins
• Chocolate
• Raw dough
• Garlic
• Moldy foods
• Onions