Finding the right dog food is crucial for the Japanese Akita’s health and happiness. This breed has specialized nutritional needs – from high protein to support their muscular frames to joint care for their athleticism. This article will explain the Akita’s unique dietary requirements and review the top 10 dog food choices that specifically nourish your loyal companion’s body and spirit.
Rank | Brand | Key Features | Ingredients | Expert and Customer Insights |
1 | Applaws Natural Complete Dog Dry Food Large Breed Adult Chicken | – High Protein Content (over 33%)<br> – Hypoallergenic<br> – Supports Skin and Coat Health | Chicken (75%), Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes | Ideal for muscle development, suitable for Akitas with food sensitivities. Praised for its high-quality protein and hypoallergenic properties. |
2 | Bakers Adult Dry Dog Food Beef & Veg | – Complete Nutritional Balance<br> – Superfoods and Natural Ingredients<br> – Supporting Physical Health | British Beef, Vegetables (Spinach, Carrot, Parsley, Mint) | Balanced nutrition, suitable for high-energy breeds like Akitas. Incorporates natural ingredients and superfoods. |
3 | Beta Adult Large Breed Rich In Turkey | – Turkey as Lean Protein Source<br> – Digestive Health with Natural Prebiotics<br> – Kibble Design for Dental Health | British Turkey, Chicory Root, Grains | Focuses on lean protein source, promotes digestive health, and tailored kibble design for dental health. |
4 | Eukanuba Complete Dry Dog Food For Adult Large And Giant Breeds With Fresh Chicken | – Fresh Chicken for Muscle Health<br> – Dental Health with Denta Defense<br> – Omega Fatty Acids for Skin and Coat Health | Fresh Chicken, Omega Fatty Acids | Comprehensive nutrition for large breeds, focusing on muscle health, dental health, and skin/coat health. |
5 | Harringtons Advanced Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food | – Natural and Wholesome Ingredients<br> – Vet Endorsed for Specific Nutritional Needs<br> – Environmental Responsibility | Fresh Chicken, Brown Rice, Sweet Potato, Pea Protein, Salmon Oil | Tailored for large breeds’ wellbeing, vet-endorsed, and focuses on environmental responsibility. |
The Japanese Akita is a muscular breed that thrives on a high protein diet. Applaws Dog Food contains over 33% protein, with chicken meat as the predominant source. This lean protein helps Akitas build and preserve strong muscles to support their active lifestyles.
Unlike other proteins like beef or lamb that tend to have higher fat content, chicken protein provides a clean source of amino acids without unnecessary calories. This supports healthy muscle growth while preventing weight gain, which is crucial as Akitas are prone to obesity if overfed.
The premium protein in Applaws food also promotes overall health and vitality in Akitas. A consistent intake of high-quality protein provides the cells in an Akita’s body with the building blocks needed for critical biological functions. This keeps organs, bones, coat, and skin healthy. It also ensures adequate protein reserves to repair muscular damage from exercise or injuries.
In essence, the exceptional protein levels in Applaws Dog Food fuel Akitas to thrive instead of just survive. The nutritionally balanced formula prevents muscle loss while supporting biological processes for optimal health.
Japanese Akitas often suffer from food allergies and intolerances, leading to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues. Applaws Premium Dog Food is specially formulated to minimize allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
It is a hypoallergenic recipe made with a single source of animal protein (chicken), limiting exposure to potential triggers. Common allergy-causing ingredients like wheat, soy, beef, and dairy are also entirely avoided.
Additionally, this diet excludes unnecessary fillers like corn, wheat, and soy that can irritate the gut. Instead, it derives carbohydrates from healthy whole-food sources like potatoes and sweet potatoes that are easier to digest.
The carefully balanced formulation also provides comprehensive and biologically appropriate nutrition without excesses or deficiencies. This maintains good digestive health and nutrient absorption, supporting the sensitive stomachs of Akitas while meeting all their nutritional requirements.
In short, Applaws provides hypoallergenic and wholesome nutrition tailored for Akitas with food sensitivities, keeping their digestive system calm and their bodies nourished.
The Japanese Akita is distinguished by its thick double-coat and curly tail. Maintaining the integrity of their skin and coat is essential.
Applaws Premium Food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that nourish skin and coats from the inside out. These healthy fats have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate skin irritations and allergies.
Omega fatty acids also support the production of sebum – an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands underneath the skin. Sebum waterproofs and lubricates the coat, giving it a glossy, luxurious texture. Its antimicrobial properties also prevent fungal and bacterial coat infections.
Additionally, omega fats enhance blood flow and nutrient supply to skin cells and hair follicles. This stimulates regeneration and growth for healthy rejuvenation of skin and fur. Considered “good fats”, these omegas also support cardiovascular function, joints, cognition and vision in Akitas.
In essence, the high omega fatty acid content in Applaws Dog Food nourishes Akitas’ skin and coats from the inside out. These healthy fats prevent inflammation, lubricate fur, stimulate regeneration, and support whole-body wellness – helping Japanese Akitas put their best paw forward.
Bakers Dog Food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the FEEDAP feeding guidelines. This ensures that the food provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition without excesses or deficiencies.
The comprehensive nutritional profile is well-aligned to fulfill the dietary needs of high-energy breeds like the Japanese Akita. It delivers optimal levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to fuel their active lifestyles.
The precise calorie content also prevents weight gain, which is a common challenge in Akitas. Lean beef and vegetables provide a rich source of nutrients without unnecessary calories that lead to obesity. This supports healthy weight management.
In essence, Bakers Dog Food delivers complete nutrition to promote optimal health, while keeping high-risk Japanese Akitas trim and vigorous.
Bakers Dog Food contains wholesome natural ingredients like spinach, carrot, parsley, mint, citrus oil and beet pulp. These superfoods deliver antioxidants, enzymes, fiber and phytonutrients that boost immunity and wellbeing.
For instance, spinach is rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, iron, and zeaxanthin – an antioxidant that supports vision health. Carrots provide vitamin A, potassium and antioxidants like lutein for skin integrity. Parsley has vitamin K, mint relieves digestive issues, while citrus oil boosts palatability.
Together, these functional ingredients promote the wellness of Japanese Akitas in a natural, gentle manner without the harshness of synthetic additives. The fresh flavors and textures also make the food highly palatable even for picky eaters.
Further, the limited number of wholefood ingredients reduces the likelihood of triggering food allergies or intolerance, which Akitas are prone to. This keeps their digestive function calm and their nutrient absorption optimal.
The premium British beef and wholesome plant ingredients in Bakers Dog Food deliver a powerhouse of nutrients that address the physical health needs of Japanese Akitas.
Antioxidants like vitamin E and lutein neutralize free radicals and strengthen natural defenses against diseases. These bolster the Akita’s vulnerable immunity against issues like bloat.
The beef provides high-quality, complete protein containing all essential amino acids required for building and preserving muscular strength. This maintains mobility and leanness to support an active lifestyle long-term.
Vitamins like A and D promote healthy teeth, bones, skin, and lustrous topcoat. Rich vitamin profiles reduce risks of dental disease, bone & joint problems, dermatitis, dull coat and hair loss – key health concerns for Japanese Akitas.
Balanced calcium and phosphorus levels also sustain robust bones and teeth. Essential fatty acids nourish the skin while B-vitamins energize cells and support neurological health.
In summary, through its wholesome, natural composition Bakers Dog Food provides vital micronutrients that address the unique physical health needs of Japanese Akitas – keeping them active and vibrant for years.
The key ingredient in this diet is farm-reared British turkey – an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein. With an average of 26% protein, largely from turkey, this formula helps Japanese Akitas develop and preserve their trademark muscular frames.
Turkey is lower in saturated fat compared to red meats like beef or lamb. So it provides Akitas with a clean source of essential amino acids to build and fuel lean muscle mass, without adding unnecessary body fat that strains the heart.
This supports an optimal balance between strength and agility in Akitas, allowing them to remain muscular yet active and playful. It also promotes effective weight management, preventing obesity which these large breeds are prone to.
Further, turkey has a naturally sweet flavor that most dogs find highly palatable. So even fussy Japanese Akitas enjoy gobbling up this diet, allowing them to fulfill their high protein needs while staying energized and satiated.
Gastrointestinal issues are common in Japanese Akitas, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and abdominal pain. Beta dog food promotes digestive health through natural prebiotics and fiber.
It contains chicory root – a natural source of inulin fiber and prebiotics. These nourish good gut bacteria, which improve digestion and nutrient absorption while crowding out bad bacteria that cause stomach upsets.
A healthy intestinal flora prevents issues like inflammatory bowel disease and enhances the immune functioning of Akitas, given the extensive interaction between the GI tract and the immune system.
This allows for optimal growth and activity levels in Akitas while reducing vet visits for recurrent stomach ailments. Alongside probiotics and omega fatty acids in the diet, the prebiotic effect of chicory gentle fosters digestive wellness from the inside out.
Beta Adult Large Breed contains a unique dual kibble design to meet the specialized needs of bigger dogs like Japanese Akitas.
It has larger crunchy kibbles combined with tender meaty pieces in gravy. The varyingly textured kibbles meet the chewing preferences of large breeds, making the food more palatable and enjoyable at mealtimes.
The larger crunchy chunks also require more thorough chewing. This slows down eating to improve digestion while giving the Akita’s teeth and gums a healthy workout.
The specially designed kibbles help scrub away tartar and plaque buildup on an Akita’s teeth. This maintains good dental hygiene, preventing painful gum infections and tooth decay – common issues in flat-faced breeds like Akitas.
In essence, the tailored kibble design aligns perfectly with the distinct feeding needs of Japanese Akitas. It keeps their digestive system healthy and teeth clean for better nutrition absorption and fewer vet visits.
The first ingredient in Eukanuba Premium Food is fresh chicken – an excellent source of high-quality protein for energetic dogs like the Akita. With over 28% protein, largely from chicken, this diet helps develop and preserve the breed’s trademark muscular frames.
Chicken provides Akitas with essential amino acids to build, repair and maintain lean muscle mass. This keeps their body toned and robust to participate in high-intensity activities like running, playing fetch, or swimming without tiring easily.
The fresh chicken also delivers key energy nutrients without excess fattening saturated fats that strain the cardiovascular system. This gives Japanese Akitas fuel for exercise while supporting healthy weight management, preventing obesity issues.
The natural flavors and aroma of fresh fowl also make this diet highly appetizing. So even picky Akitas will gobble up mouthfuls, allowing them to easily meet their high protein requirements.
Eukanuba Dog Food contains a specialized Denta Defense System to support dental health in large breeds like the Akita.
It has uniquely shaped and sized kibble pieces that require extensive chewing. This helps scrub away plaque and reduce ugly tartar buildup on an Akita’s teeth.
Special enzymes like zinc sulfate and sodium tripolyphosphate also help retard mineralization of plaque into calculus. This maintains clean and healthy gums, preventing painful dental infections that Japanese Akitas are prone to.
Thus, Eukanuba’s Denta Defense System ensures braces like the Akita retain robust teeth and fresh breath for years – making playtime and cuddle time more enjoyable.
The diet contains an optimal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from natural fish and chicken fat sources.
These essential fats nourish an Akita’s skin and coat from within, giving them a glossy, weather-resistant topcoat plus a dense, downy undercoat characteristic of the breed.
The powerful anti-inflammatory action also alleviates skin irritations and reactions while facilitating skin healing – reducing incidences of hot spots, rashes or scaly patches.
Additionally, omega fats enhance cognitive development and ocular health through better neuron functioning and nutrient absorption. They also support cardiovascular vigour via improved circulation and calcium metabolism.
In essence, Eukanuba provides well-rounded skin, coat and whole-body nourishment to help Japanese Akitas flaunt their beauty and athleticism.
The key feature of Harringtons Dog Food is its focus on natural, wholesome ingredients that provide authentic nourishment without harsh processing.
Ingredients like fresh chicken, brown rice, sweet potato, pea protein, and salmon oil retain their nutritional integrity and natural taste – unlike rendered meat meals or artificial flavors.
This makes the food easily digestible, supporting a calm digestive system and optimal nutrient absorption in Akitas prone to stomach sensitivity. The limited ingredients also minimize exposure to potential allergens.
Further, nutrients from wholefoods get effectively assimilated for enhanced organ functioning, muscle development and biological processes that sustain systemic health and vigor in Japanese Akitas.
The delicious tastes and aromas from real foods also stimulate an Akita’s appetite. So even fussy eaters relish mealtimes and easily meet their nutritional requirements.
Harringtons Dog Food is formulated by nutritional experts and veterinarians to fulfill the specialized needs of large and giant breeds.
It delivers complete, life stage-specific nutrition without excesses or deficiencies that could jeopardize an Akita’s wellbeing. This prevents issues like bone disease, growth abnormalities or nutritional deficiency.
Exact calcium and phosphorus levels promote optimal bone development in fast-growing Japanese Akita puppies, while glucosamine and chondroitin address joint health in mature adults. Omega fatty acids nourish the skin and coat while antioxidants support a robust immune system.
Additionally, customized protein and calorie levels suit the muscular frames and energetic lifestyles of Akitas, fueling activity without causing weight gain.
In essence, veterinary guidance ensures this diet delivers comprehensive nutrition that sustains long-lasting health and vigor in Japanese Akitas.
Harringtons believes that caring for pets and caring for the planet go hand-in-hand.
It actively works on sustainability through eco-friendly manufacturing, ethical sourcing policies and waste reduction. For instance, it uses renewable energy in production, minimizes packaging, and promotes recycling.
This aligns well with the eco-conscious lifestyles and values of modern Akita owners seeking to reduce their carbon pawprint through pet care. It also mitigates health risks for Akitas posed by pollution or resource depletion.
Further, Harringtons never uses controversial ingredients like rendered meat meals or animal by-products. All ingredients are ethically sourced following strict quality guidelines for safety, traceability and sustainability.
Thus, Harringtons offers a premium yet ethical diet that helps eco-minded Akita owners nourish their dogs without compromising their green ideals.
Advancing age brings specialized nutritional needs for senior Japanese Akitas to support their bone and joint health.
Iams contains essential nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, calcium and phosphorus needed for optimal joint function. These alleviate stiffness from arthritic changes and prevent painful bone disorders.
Glucosamine stimulates the synthesis of synovial fluid – the shock absorber within joints that allows smooth mobility and flexibility. Chondroitin enhances cartilage resilience for pain-free movement.
Calcium and phosphorus optimize bone mineral density and strength in senior Akitas. This reduces fracture risks while allowing them to stay active and maintain muscular frames long-term.
Thus, custom senior nutrition from Iams Dog Food allows aging Japanese Akitas to enjoy their twilight years in comfort.
The natural ageing process gradually depletes muscle mass and strength in Japanese Akitas, hampering mobility and vigor.
Iams contains over 78% high-quality animal protein derived largely from chicken and egg. This provides senior Akitas with a concentrated protein source for preserving lean muscle despite a slowed metabolism.
Essential amino acids help nourish, repair and maintain muscle fibers, preventing degenerative, age-related muscle loss that leads to weakness and frailty. This allows senior Akitas to retain the trademark sturdy physique of the breed.
Sustained muscle strength into advanced age also enables Japanese Akitas to uphold healthy activity levels and participate in light exercise, contributing immensely to longevity and life quality.
Common digestive issues like dysbiosis, enzyme inadequacy and GI inflammation threaten the gut health of senior dogs.
Iams Premium Food contains prebiotics and natural fiber that feeding beneficial gut flora. Digestive enzymes also facilitate effective breakdown and assimilation of nutrients from the chicken-based diet.
This maintains optimal digestive health and micronutrient absorption into advanced age for Japanese Akitas when metabolism naturally starts to slow down.
Adequate nutrient levels prevent issues like anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, fatigue and weight loss. It also allows prescription drugs to act effectively when required.
Further, the palatable chicken flavor stimulates appetite in finicky senior Akitas vulnerable to losing interest in food. This prevents under-eating and subsequent malnutrition.
Thus, Iams Dog Food caters to the unique digestive and metabolic changes in mature Japanese Akitas to sustain vitality.
The highlight of this diet is freshly prepared British turkey – an excellent source of complete, high-quality protein for energetic dogs like the Japanese Akita.
Turkey provides Akitas with essential amino acids to develop and preserve their robust musculature that typifies the breed. It helps build strong muscle tissue to support an active lifestyle while also fueling biological processes related to growth, reproduction and healing.
Compared to other proteins, turkey is lower in saturated fat so less likely to exacerbate weight issues in obesity-prone Akitas. It provides a clean source of protein to maintain body condition.
Additionally, the enticing flavor and aroma of freshly cooked turkey makes this diet highly palatable. So even fussy Akitas will readily feast on this food.
In essence, Lily’s Kitchen dog food allows Japanese Akitas to fulfill their high protein needs with a delicious, premium turkey diet.
This diet also contains functional superfoods like kale, goji berries, seaweed and turmeric that deliver concentrated nourishment.
Kale provides antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that support vision health. Goji berries contain vitamin C, fiber and carotenoids that bolster immunity. Alfalfa delivers vitamins K and C along with minerals for stronger bones and teeth.
Seaweed, an excellent source of iodine, helps regulate metabolism. Anti-inflammatory turmeric enhances cognition and joint health.
Together, these superfoods provide a spectrum of micronutrients to optimize organ functioning and prevent nutritional deficiencies – fostering systemic health and vigor in the Japanese Akita.
Lily’s Kitchen wet food contains only natural, ethically sourced ingredients without any added sugars, artificial additives or cheap fillers.
It avoids ingredient splits, renders or concentrates that erode nutritional value. Instead, wholefoods like deboned turkey, potatoes and peas retain their wholesomeness.
This makes the food easily digestible, supporting a calm stomach. Limited ingredients also reduce exposure to potential triggers, benefitting Akitas with sensitivities.
Balanced macronutrient ratios provide comprehensive nutrition tailored for adult Akitas. So they thrive on essentials without any nutritionally empty excess.
In summary, Lily’s dog food offers Japanese Akitas natural, authentic nutrition from ethical ingredients to nourish their signature strength and spirit.
Japanese Akitas often suffer from food sensitivities and intolerances that affect gut comfort and health. The Hunger of the Wolf Lamb and Rice recipe is designed as a hypoallergenic diet for digestive wellness.
It contains a single source of animal protein from lamb meal which reduces exposure to common triggers like beef, dairy or chicken that cause unpleasant symptoms in sensitive Akitas.
The addition of rice as a gentle cereal instead of wheat or corn provides an easily digestible carbohydrate. This prevents stomach irritation, allowing optimal nutrient absorption.
The limited, natural ingredients also eliminate unnecessary additives and fillers that could disrupt the intestinal environment. This maintains healthy gut flora and motility.
Thus, the hypoallergenic properties keep an Akita’s digestive function calm for enhanced wellbeing.
The Hunger of the Wolf dog food contains DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid vital for brain development and cognitive function in Japanese Akitas.
DHA is a building block for gray matter in the brain. It allows efficient transmission of nerve signals that facilitate learning, intelligence, sensory perception and regulation of mood and behavior in Akitas.
Higher DHA levels during growth spurts support cognitive maturation in Akita puppies, allowing them to achieve their best potential intellectually.
Sustained DHA intake prevents degenerative mental decline in senior Akitas, allowing them to retain sharp thinking and memory with advancing age. This allows for easier trainability and better quality of life. Thus, supplemental DHA nourishes the inquisitive minds of Japanese Akitas throughout life.
The Hunger of the Wolf dog food utilizes lamb meal as its key protein source. As a concentrated form of lamb that has already had moisture removed, lamb meal contains up to 300% more protein per gram compared to fresh lamb meat.
This provides an efficient way for Japanese Akitas to obtain high levels of essential amino acids needed to develop and preserve the muscular bodies they are renowned for.
The rich protein content derived from lamb meal supports tissue growth and repair in Akitas to uphold robust health and vigor while fueling activities like running, jumping and agility training.
It also delivers vital micronutrients like iron, zinc and B vitamins conveniently in a palatable form that fussy Akitas love. In essence, lamb meal gives this diet a protein punch to nourish the bodily needs of spirited Japanese Akitas.
Japanese Akitas have high energy requirements and lean muscle mass to support their playful personalities alongside guarding tenacity.
Wagg dog food contains 25% protein largely derived from British chicken meat. This allows developing Akitas to support growth while giving adults an adequate supply of amino acids to preserve hard-earned muscles.
Combined with easily digestible carbohydrates like rice and oats to provide sustained energy, the balanced nutritional profile prevents fatigue during high-intensity activities like sled pulls or agility courses.
The measured calorie count also avoids overfeeding and subsequent obesity, while supplying adequate fuel for metabolism and maintaining healthy body condition. This keeps weight off the joints of predisposed Akitas.
Thus Wagg food delivers balanced, clean nutrition to match the energetic exercise needs of Japanese Akitas while ensuring vibrant good health.
Japanese Akitas are prone to issues like gum decay, tooth fractures and osteoporosis that compromise dental integrity and skeletal strength.
Wagg Chicken & Rice formula contains optimal calcium and vitamin D levels to safeguard bone mineral density and tooth health.
Calcium facilitates effective remineralization and strengthening of porous, brittle bones to prevent painful fractures and deformation while enhancing cartilage formation. This maintains mobility in aging Akitas.
Vitamin D improves calcium absorption for optimal teeth and bone nutrient reserves, maintaining integrity despite wear-and-tear. This alleviates dental disease and fracture risks, allowing Akitas to confidently chew recreational bones and toys even as seniors.
Thus Wagg food actively fosters skeletal robustness in Japanese Akitas prone to orthopedic issues.
Made from yeast cell walls, prebiotic MOS in Wagg Dog Food promotes foregut health and total body wellness in Japanese Akitas.
By encouraging digestive microflora like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, MOS enables efficient food breakdown and gut immunity against pathogens and toxins.
This facilitates smooth digestion, nutrient assimilation and growth of healthier intestinal cell walls to prevent gastric issues like diarrhea, constipation, infection and inflammation in biologically sensitive Akitas.
A well-functioning gut also indirectly supports systemic immunity against allergies, eye/ear infections and skin irritation. In essence MOS gently nourishes disease resilience and gut comfort – allowing Japanese Akitas to thrive.
Japanese Akitas often suffer from grains intolerances, with symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, skin irritation and ear infections.
The grain-free Wonderdog formula minimizes such discomfort by avoiding triggers like wheat, corn and soy that commonly disrupt digestive health.
Instead, it uses tapioca starch, chickpeas and peas to provide sustained energy and adequate fiber without irritation. This prevents stomach upsets from rapid fermentation or intestinal inflammation.
The limited, novel proteins and carbohydrates also reduce exposure to potential allergic triggers. This offers gentler nutrition even for sensitive Akitas while delivering complete support for bodily processes. Thus, the specialized grain-free diet caters smoothly to the delicate digestions of Japanese Akitas prone to gastric troubles.
This diet derives concentrated, complete protein from British grass-fed beef containing all ten essential amino acids required for preserving the iconic muscular frames of Japanese Akitas.
The beef protein helps build and maintain lean muscle mass even during strenuous exercise to keep weight off the joints while fueling playfulness. It also supports biological functions related to growth, metabolism, healing and disease resistance.
Sweet potatoes offer natural digestible fiber to promote gut motility and smooth waste elimination. Rich antioxidants like beta carotene support immunity and eye health while vitamins C, B6 and magnesium benefit skin coats.
Thus clean, species-appropriate nutrition from ethical beef and functional plant foods provides steady nourishment without taxing sensitive Akitas.
Japanese Akitas are prone to debilitating joint conditions like hip dysplasia worsened by obesity. Wonderdog food contains reparative compounds to optimize connective tissue health.
Glucosamine stimulates the production of thick, elastic synovial fluid and cartilage to serve as lubricants and shock absorbers within joints. This enhances flexibility and smooth motion to alleviate pain.
Chondroitin protects existing cartilage from enzymatic destruction. It also has anti-inflammatory effects to reduce painful swelling.
Together, these compounds can halt the progression of, or even partially reverse, degenerative joint damage. This helps aging Akitas retain an active, playful spirit within their physical capabilities.
Thus Wonderdog dog food actively safeguards joint health to keep Japanese Akitas contented and comforted.