A common question among Akita owners is how much food to feed their furry companion. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the key nutritional requirements and how they change through different life stages is essential.
From puppies to seniors, this feeding guide breaks down the dietary needs of Akitas, ensuring they receive the right amount of nutrients to thrive.
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed an Akita?
Several factors play a significant role in determining how much food your Akita should consume.
Understanding these factors is essential to ensure that your Akita receives the right nutrition in the right quantities:
- Age: Puppies, adults, and senior Akitas have different nutritional requirements. Puppies need more calories and nutrients to support their growth, while seniors might require less food due to a slower metabolism.
- Activity Level: Active Akitas need more calories to sustain their energy levels, whereas less active or sedentary dogs may require less to avoid weight gain.
- Health Status: Akitas with certain health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or heart problems, may need a specialized diet. Always consult with a veterinarian for a diet plan that addresses specific health issues.
- Weight: A dog’s current weight and ideal weight goals greatly influence the amount of food they should consume. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition.
- Type of Food: The calorie content and nutritional value vary across different types of dog food. High-quality foods often require smaller serving sizes as they are more nutrient-dense.
These factors collectively help in creating a feeding regimen that suits the individual needs of an Akita. It’s important to regularly assess and adjust your dog’s diet based on these elements, ensuring they remain healthy and happy.
How Much to Feed Your Akita
As established, age significantly influences how much food you feed your Akita. Puppies need to eat more than adults because they are growing and need more nutrients and energy to develop.
Moreover, a fully-grown American Akita tends to be heavier than its Japanese counterpart. It means they need more food than Japanese Akitas.
But do not get confused because we included a feeding chart that will help you determine the appropriate amount to feed your dog for each of its life stages.
Akita Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
Akita puppies get early nutrition from their mother’s milk for the first few weeks. As your Akita puppy reaches its third week, you can slowly begin the weaning process by introducing it to semi-solid puppy food.
Furthermore, since there is a difference between the sizes of American and Japanese Akitas, their feeding requirements may also vary a bit.
The feeding charts below offer guidance on the appropriate amount of food for American and Japanese Akita puppies of various ages:
American Akita Puppies
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 3 months | 2 ¼ – 4 | 972 – 1,842 |
| 4 – 5 months | 2 ½ – 3 ¾ | 1,114 – 1,668 |
| 6 – 9 months | 3 ½ – 5 ¼ | 1,563 – 2,354 |
| 10 – 12 months | 5– 6 ½ | 2,261 – 2,892 |
Japanese Akita Puppies
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 3 months | 2 – 3 ¾ | 913 – 1,731 |
| 4 – 5 months | 2 ¼ – 3 ½ | 1,046 – 1,567 |
| 6 – 9 months | 3 ¼ – 5 | 1,468 – 2,212 |
| 10 – 12 months | 4 ¾ – 6 | 2,124 – 2,717 |
Each Akita puppy is unique, and their feeding requirements can vary. It’s important to monitor their growth and adjust food quantities accordingly.
Adult Akita Feeding Chart (1 to 6 years)
American and Japanese Akita puppies reach their full size at 12 to 18 months. During this period, they need more calories and may require an increase in the amount of food they eat.
You can use the following amounts as guidelines in feeding an adult American or Japanese Akita:
Adult American Akita
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 6 years | 3 ¾ – 6 | 1,507 – 2,415 |
Adult Japanese Akita
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 6 years | 3 ½ – 5 ¾ | 1,436 – 2,262 |
Feeding a fully-grown Akita high-quality adult dog food is the best way to help it reach its ideal weight.
Once your Akita is fully grown, it is important to continue providing a healthy diet to maintain its overall well-being.
Senior Akita Feeding Chart (7 years and above)
Akitas reach their senior years at a much earlier stage in life than other breeds because they tend to have shorter lifespans than other dogs.
As they mature and reach their senior age, their activity levels decrease. It is important to give your Akita a lower-calorie food that is specifically made for senior dogs to keep them healthy and happy.
For a reference in feeding a senior American or Japanese Akita, you can use the following tables:
Senior American Akita
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 7 years and above | 3 – 4 ¾ | 1,206 – 1,932 |
Senior Japanese Akita
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 7 years and above | 2 ¾ – 4 ½ | 1,149 – 1,810 |
To avoid obesity and bloat, it’s important to monitor how much food your senior American and Japanese Akita should eat.
Hence, plan ahead on what food to give your older Akita. Feeding with lower carbohydrates and fats but with a high amount of protein helps ensure that your dog is able to have the right nutrients to maintain its bodily functions.
How Often Should You Feed Your Akita?
The feeding frequency for Akitas depends largely on their size and growth rate. Generally, Akita puppies should be fed 4 to 5 times a day. In contrast, adult and senior Akitas typically do well with 2 to 3 meals daily.
Refer to the table below for recommended feeding frequencies for your Akita based on their age:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 2 – 12 weeks | Four to five times a day |
| 3 – 12 months | Three to four times a day |
| 1 – 6 years | Two to three times a day |
| 7 years and above | Once or twice a day |
Knowing how often to feed your Akita from puppyhood to senior years is crucial for their health. Proper feeding schedules help prevent issues like bloating or upset stomach.
One more thing I noticed about Akitas, regardless of their American and Japanese lineage, is their high metabolism rate. This is something that I pay attention to when it comes to feeding my cousin’s American Akita, Xerxes.
With Xerxes’ high metabolism, I need to make sure that he has small, frequent feedings, following the recommended frequencies in the chart. This helps us ensure that he has enough energy to keep up with his daily activities.
How to Transition Your Akita to a New Food
As your American and Japanese Akita puppies grow into adults, you must change their diet according to the different life stages.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends transitioning a dog’s diet over five to seven days to avoid stomach issues.
To transition to a new food, start by mixing 25% of the new food with your current food. Gradually increase this amount until you are completely transitioned to its new food.
Here’s a helpful guide that will help you transition your Akita to their new food:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
Remember that this process takes time. If your Akita has been eating one type of food for years and suddenly starts refusing it, don’t give up after just one day; keep trying until they get used to it.
It’s important to note that these reactions do not necessarily signify something is wrong. In some cases, this is a normal reaction during periods of adjustment.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight Akita
Addressing overweight issues in an Akita is essential for maintaining health and ensuring a long, happy life. Helping your dog regain its healthy weight could be challenging yet possible and manageable.
Here are some useful tips on feeding an overweight Akita:
- Provide a balanced diet: Prioritizing high-quality proteins and healthy fats while reducing the intake of carbohydrates can significantly aid in weight loss. This ensures that your Akita receives the essential nutrients without any unnecessary calories.
- Control portions: Managing the amount your Akita eats is vital in controlling weight. Measuring food portions and avoiding free-feeding are essential to curb overconsumption.
- Regularly exercise: Ensure your Akita gets ample physical activity to lose weight. Various exercises such as regular walks, playtime, and other engaging activities help burn excess calories and enhance fitness.
- Seek professional advice: Regular consultations with dog nutritionists, reputable breeders, or veterinarians will offer insights into your Akita’s dietary needs. Professional advice can help tailor a diet and exercise plan unique to your dog’s requirements.
Effectively managing an overweight Akita necessitates various approaches. Adhering to these tips can help your Akita achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Akita Enough?
To know if your Akita is eating enough, measure their weight and check how their body looks and feels. Your Akita should have a noticeable waist, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs.
Look at their energy levels; they might need more food if they seem tired. Also, a shiny coat and regular, firm poop are good signs. Remember, every Akita is different, so what works for one may not work for another.
It’s always good to talk to your vet. They can advise on how much and what to feed your Akita based on age, weight, and activity.
Why Is My Akita Not Eating?
If your Akita refuses to eat, it may simply indicate that it is bored with its current food or needs your attention.
Your dog’s emotions can affect its appetite. It may not touch its food if it feels uneasy or stressed or suffers from separation anxiety or a change in its environment.
On the other hand, it may also be due to an illness, especially if it comes with vomiting or diarrhea. In this case, it is best to speak with your vet about possible treatments that can help restore your dog’s appetite.
Can I Feed My Akita With Human Food?
Feeding your Akita human food can be tricky. While some foods are safe and healthy, others can be harmful. Safe options include lean meats, fruits like apples and blueberries, and vegetables like carrots and green beans.
However, many human foods are dangerous for Akitas. Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and foods with xylitol can be harmful. These can cause serious health issues and should be avoided.
It’s best to consult your vet before introducing human food to your Akita’s diet. They can guide you on what is safe and how much to give.
Do Akitas Eat a Lot?
Akitas are a large dog breed, meaning they need more food than other dogs. Paying attention to their weight is important because gaining too much can lead to health problems later on.
Can Akitas Eat Bones?
Yes, Akitas can eat bones. However, you must be careful with what kinds of bones you give them.
The problem with giving your Akita cooked bones is that they can get stuck in its throat or windpipe. You should never give your dog any bone that has been cooked or processed in some way.
I hope this article helps Akita owners understand how much food these large, energetic dogs require. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any other questions about Akita nutrition and feeding.
