Akitas are large, powerful dogs that require high-quality nutrition to help them maintain a healthy body weight and good muscle mass. The right food can make all the difference in your Akita’s health, but it can be confusing to know how to select a food for your dog. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together reviews of the best of the best foods you can offer to your Akita to ensure their health and longevity.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
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Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Fresh and highly palatable foods
Multiple proteins available
Single protein source foods
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Best Value
Iams Large Breed
Budget-friendly
Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed dogs
Supports bone and joint health
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Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control
Great for dogs that are overweight or obese
Low in calories
Supports satiety between meals
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Best for Puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy
Top pick for large breed puppies
Lean protein supports healthy muscle growth and development
Controlled calcium levels are essential for bone health
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Vet’s Choice
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed
Vet’s choice
Free of common protein allergens
Formulated for large breed dogs with skin and stomach problems
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for Akitas
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Variable
Protein content: Variable
Fat content: Variable
Calories: Variable
Food from The Farmer’s Dog is the best overall dog food for your Akita. These foods are made from fresh, human-grade ingredients. They offer a variety of protein sources, including turkey, chicken, pork, and beef. Each recipe offers a single protein source, making this food suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
This brand sells food on a subscription basis, which can be updated or canceled at any time. The foods are shipped pre-portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, which are determined from an in-depth survey you’ll fill out with information like your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
The foods offered by The Farmer’s Dog are grain-free diets that contain legumes, like chickpeas. Grain-free diets and legumes have shown a potential connection to heart disease in dogs, so make sure to discuss these potential risks with your vet before switching your dog.
Pros
Fresh and highly palatable foods
Multiple proteins available
Single protein source foods
Subscription-based
Pre-portioned foods
Subscription can be updated or canceled at any time
Cons
Grain-free recipes
Contains legumes
Iams Large Breed food is the best dog food for your Akita for the money. This budget-friendly food is formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of large breed dogs, like Akitas. It includes nutrients for bone and joint support, and chicken provides a lean source of protein to maintain your dog’s muscle mass. It’s a good source of fiber and probiotics to support digestive health, and it contains healthy whole grains like barley and corn.
Fresh and highly palatable foods
Multiple proteins available
Single protein source foods
Subscription-based
Pre-portioned foods
Subscription can be updated or canceled at any time
- Fresh and highly palatable foods
- Multiple proteins available
- Single protein source foods
- Subscription-based
- Pre-portioned foods
- Subscription can be updated or canceled at any time
Grain-free recipes
Contains legumes
- Grain-free recipes
- Contains legumes
Main ingredients: Chicken
Protein content: 22.5%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 3B07CPDSX1351 kcal/cup
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Some people do report their picky dogs refusing to eat this food, so it may not be a good option for some of the pickier pups.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large-breed dogs
Supports bone and joint health
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Good source of fiber and probiotics
Contains whole grains
Cons
May not be suitable for picky eaters
The Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control food is another great premium food pick for Akitas, especially if your dog is overweight or obese. This food is low in calories but contains ingredients that support satiety, ensuring your dog feels full between meals. It’s a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, which is especially important in overweight large-breed dogs. It’s also a good source of vitamin E and DHA, which support brain and neurological function. Lean protein from chicken supports muscle mass, even during weight loss.
Budget-friendly
Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large-breed dogs
Supports bone and joint health
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Good source of fiber and probiotics
Contains whole grains
- Budget-friendly
- Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large-breed dogs
- Supports bone and joint health
- Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
- Good source of fiber and probiotics
- Contains whole grains
May not be suitable for picky eaters
- May not be suitable for picky eaters
Main ingredients: Chicken
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 267 kcal/cup
This food is not appropriate for Akitas under 15 months of age or who are underweight. It’s also not appropriate for Akitas at an appropriate weight unless they are needing help maintaining a healthy body weight after weight loss.
Pros
Great for dogs that are overweight or obese
Low in calories
Supports satiety between meals
Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Good source of vitamin E and DHA for neurological function
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Cons
Not appropriate for dogs under 15 months of age
Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy-weight dogs
If you’ve got an Akita puppy to feed, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy food is the top pick. This food contains lean protein from chicken, which supports muscle growth and development. Controlled calcium levels ensure bone health for fast-growing puppies, and DHA supports brain and eye growth and development. It’s a good source of vitamins C and E, which support healthy immunity, and it contains whole grains in the form of wheat, corn, and oats.
Great for dogs that are overweight or obese
Low in calories
Supports satiety between meals
Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Good source of vitamin E and DHA for neurological function
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
- Great for dogs that are overweight or obese
- Low in calories
- Supports satiety between meals
- Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Good source of vitamin E and DHA for neurological function
- Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Not appropriate for dogs under 15 months of age
Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy-weight dogs
- Not appropriate for dogs under 15 months of age
- Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy-weight dogs
Main ingredients: Chicken
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 11%
Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Multiple users of this food report as having a strong, unpleasant odor, which may be a turn off for some people. It also may not be suitable for picky eaters.
Pros
Top pick for large-breed puppies
Lean protein supports healthy muscle growth and development
Controlled calcium levels are essential for bone health
DHA supports eye and brain growth and development
Good source of vitamins C and E for immune support
Contains whole grains
Cons
May have a strong, unpleasant smell
May not be suitable for picky eaters
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed food is our vet’s pick for food for your Akita. This food is free of chicken protein and other common protein allergens, making it a good option for dogs with sensitive tummies and skin issues. It’s a good source of glucosamine and EPA, which support joint health, and omega-6 fatty acids, which support healthy skin and coat. Prebiotic fiber provides digestive support and helps maintain beneficial bacteria colonies in the gut. It contains lean protein from salmon and gentle, digestible fiber from oats.
Top pick for large-breed puppies
Lean protein supports healthy muscle growth and development
Controlled calcium levels are essential for bone health
DHA supports eye and brain growth and development
Good source of vitamins C and E for immune support
Contains whole grains
- Top pick for large-breed puppies
- Lean protein supports healthy muscle growth and development
- Controlled calcium levels are essential for bone health
- DHA supports eye and brain growth and development
- Good source of vitamins C and E for immune support
- Contains whole grains
May have a strong, unpleasant smell
May not be suitable for picky eaters
- May have a strong, unpleasant smell
- May not be suitable for picky eaters
Main ingredients: Salmon
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 373 kcal/cup
Multiple people report finding this food’s fishy smell to be strong and unpleasant. Also, due to supply chain issues, this food has significantly increased in price in 2022.
Pros
Vet’s choice
Free of common protein allergens
Formulated for large breed dogs with skin and stomach problems
Good source of glucosamine and EPA for joint health
Good source of omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Prebiotics and oats support healthy digestion
Cons
Strong, fishy smell may be unpleasant
Has recently increased significantly in price due to supply chain issues
The Nutro Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Adult food is a good source of lean protein to support muscles, but it does contain chicken meal, so it’s not suitable for dogs with sensitivities to chicken. Chicken meal is a good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, though. This food is formulated with the specific needs of large breed dogs in mind, including properly balanced calcium levels for bone health. It contains whole grain brown rice, which is a good source of healthy fiber to support digestive health.
Vet’s choice
Free of common protein allergens
Formulated for large breed dogs with skin and stomach problems
Good source of glucosamine and EPA for joint health
Good source of omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
Prebiotics and oats support healthy digestion
- Vet’s choice
- Free of common protein allergens
- Formulated for large breed dogs with skin and stomach problems
- Good source of glucosamine and EPA for joint health
- Good source of omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Prebiotics and oats support healthy digestion
Strong, fishy smell may be unpleasant
Has recently increased significantly in price due to supply chain issues
- Strong, fishy smell may be unpleasant
- Has recently increased significantly in price due to supply chain issues
Main ingredients: Deboned lamb
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 318 kcal/cup
The fourth ingredient in this food is split peas, which are a legume that may have a connection to heart disease in dogs, so make sure to discuss this risk with your vet. This food isn’t recommended for dogs under the age of 18 months.
Pros
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
Formulated for large breed dogs
Has properly balanced calcium levels
Good source of whole grain fiber for digestive health
Cons
Contains legumes
Not recommended for dogs under 18 months of age
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Large Breed Adult food is a great option for dogs needing to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight after weight loss. It’s low in calories and is formulated specifically with the nutritional needs of overweight large breed dogs in mind. It’s a good source of lean protein to maintain healthy muscle mass during and after weight loss. The large kibble size is ideal for big dogs like Akitas, and it’s enriched with L-carnitine and coconut oil to support healthy metabolism. Vitamins C and E are added for immune system support.
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
Formulated for large breed dogs
Has properly balanced calcium levels
Good source of whole grain fiber for digestive health
- Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
- Good source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- Formulated for large breed dogs
- Has properly balanced calcium levels
- Good source of whole grain fiber for digestive health
Contains legumes
Not recommended for dogs under 18 months of age
- Contains legumes
- Not recommended for dogs under 18 months of age
Main ingredients: Chicken
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 8%
Calories: 289 kcal/cup
This food is not appropriate for dogs that are underweight or that are at a healthy weight and have not recently lost weight. It’s also not suitable for puppies and other young dogs that are still growing.
Pros
Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance after weight loss
Low in calories
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Enriched with L-carnitine and coconut oil to support metabolism
Vitamins C and E support the immune system
Cons
Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy weight dogs
Not suitable for puppies and growing young dogs
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites
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Main ingredients: Lamb
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 370 kcal/cup
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Large Breed Bites is a great option for dogs with sensitivities to chicken and other common allergens. It’s a good source of amino acids to support muscle mass, and the brown rice in this food supports healthy digestion. It’s formulated to meet the needs of large breed dogs, including support bone and heart health. It’s a suitable food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, and the kibbles are extra large for your big pup.
Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance after weight loss
Low in calories
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Enriched with L-carnitine and coconut oil to support metabolism
Vitamins C and E support the immune system
- Formulated to support weight loss and maintenance after weight loss
- Low in calories
- Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
- Enriched with L-carnitine and coconut oil to support metabolism
- Vitamins C and E support the immune system
Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy weight dogs
Not suitable for puppies and growing young dogs
- Not appropriate for underweight dogs and most healthy weight dogs
- Not suitable for puppies and growing young dogs
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Main ingredients: Lamb
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 370 kcal/cup
Some people do report their pickier dogs refusing to eat this food, so it may not be ideal for the picky pups. It also may have a strong, unpleasant odor.
Pros
Limited ingredients
Single protein source
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Supports digestive health
Suitable for sensitive stomachs
Cons
May not be suitable for picky dogs
May have a strong, unpleasant odor
Solid Gold Wolf King Large Breed food is free of chicken protein and other common allergens, instead using bison and ocean fish proteins. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids that support skin, coat, joint, and heart health. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, which support healthy energy levels and metabolism, as well as antioxidants to support immunity. Probiotics and fiber support healthy digestion, and it’s formulated specifically for large breed dogs.
Limited ingredients
Single protein source
Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
Supports digestive health
Suitable for sensitive stomachs
- Limited ingredients
- Single protein source
- Lean protein maintains healthy muscle mass
- Supports digestive health
- Suitable for sensitive stomachs
May not be suitable for picky dogs
May have a strong, unpleasant odor
- May not be suitable for picky dogs
- May have a strong, unpleasant odor
Main ingredients: Bison
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 9%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
This food may not be suitable for pickier Akitas. Some people have reported receiving bags containing moldy food, which is often caused by improper storage or shipping, but it’s best to check the food when you first open the bag and notify the manufacturer if you see mold.
Pros
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
Good source of omega fatty acids
Good source of B vitamins for energy and metabolism
Antioxidants support immune health
Supports healthy digestion with probiotics and fiber
Cons
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Some people have reported mold in new bags of food
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed
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Main ingredients: Lamb meal
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 350 kcal/cup
The Diamond Naturals Large Breed food is a great source of whole grains, containing rice, pearled barley, oatmeal, and quinoa. It’s formulated to support the energy levels of large breed dogs, and it’s a good source of omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It contains prebiotics and multiple canine-specific probiotics to better support your dog’s digestive health. It’s a good source of antioxidants, which are important for supporting the health and function of the immune system.
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
Good source of omega fatty acids
Good source of B vitamins for energy and metabolism
Antioxidants support immune health
Supports healthy digestion with probiotics and fiber
- Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Good source of B vitamins for energy and metabolism
- Antioxidants support immune health
- Supports healthy digestion with probiotics and fiber
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Some people have reported mold in new bags of food
- May not be suitable for picky dogs
- Some people have reported mold in new bags of food
Main ingredients: Lamb meal
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 350 kcal/cup
Some people do report this food causing gas in their dogs, so it may not be suitable for dogs with digestive sensitivities. It’s also reported to be a food that pickier dogs will not eat.
Pros
Contains multiple whole grains
Formulated to support large breed dog energy levels
Good source of omega fatty acids
Prebiotics and canine-specific probiotics support digest health
Antioxidants support the immune system
Cons
May not be suitable with digestive sensitivities
May not be suitable for picky dogs
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Foods for Akitas
Choosing the Best Food for Your Akita
Selecting a dog food for your Akita should be dependent on a few factors. The primary factor is your dog’s age. It’s important to feed Akita puppies puppy food that is formulated for large breed puppies. This type of food will ensure your puppy’s body grows and develops appropriately for a large breed dog. Akitas can grow for up to 2 years, so some dogs may need to stay on puppy food longer than others. Make sure to discuss this with your vet.
Contains multiple whole grains
Formulated to support large breed dog energy levels
Good source of omega fatty acids
Prebiotics and canine-specific probiotics support digest health
Antioxidants support the immune system
- Contains multiple whole grains
- Formulated to support large breed dog energy levels
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Prebiotics and canine-specific probiotics support digest health
- Antioxidants support the immune system
May not be suitable with digestive sensitivities
May not be suitable for picky dogs
- May not be suitable with digestive sensitivities
- May not be suitable for picky dogs
You also should consider your dog’s current weight and body condition. Overweight and obese dogs sometimes need a little extra help from their food to help them lose weight. Weight loss food can help your dog feel satiated between meals, making weight loss easier on you and your dog. Being overweight or obese can be detrimental to the health of any dog, but it’s especially hard on the joints and internal organs of large breed dogs.
The last major consideration should be your dog’s activity level. Dogs with normal activity levels usually do well on regular dog food. However, dogs that spend more than 2 hours per day doing high energy activities may need a high energy diet, while dogs with low activity levels may need a low-calorie food to help them maintain a healthy body weight.
Conclusion
These reviews shouldn’t serve as the complete deciding factor in choosing a food for your dog, so make sure to discuss your top picks with your dog’s vet or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the food you choose is ideal for your dog.
The best overall food for Akitas is food from The Farmer’s Dog, which offers subscription foods with a variety of proteins to choose from. For a budget-friendly food, Iams Large Breed food is a healthy option. If you have an Akita that needs help losing weight, Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control food is a fantastic pick. For puppies, the Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy food will help support healthy growth and development. If you’re in the market for a veterinarian-selected food, we love the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed food.
Feature Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
