About 5 minutes to read.
Every time I fill Momiji’s bowl, the same thought crosses my mind.
“Is this actually good for her?”
I’ve been feeding her the same food for a while now, and honestly, I’m not entirely sure it’s the right choice. The ingredient labels are confusing, and every brand seems to claim it’s “premium” or “carefully selected.” If you’ve felt the same way, keep reading.
I recently looked closely at GRANDS (グランズ), a premium dog food made in France. I wanted to know if it’s actually suitable for a Shiba Inu — and here’s what I found.
This post is for you if:
・You have a Shiba Inu or medium-sized dog and struggle with food choices
・You’re curious about grain-free diets but aren’t sure what the difference really is
・You’re looking for a food with fewer artificial additives
・Your dog is a picky eater
Bottom line: The price reflects the quality of ingredients. But it’s not for everyone.
Why I Started Questioning My Dog’s Food
My Shiba Inu’s name is Momiji. She’s fluffy, reddish-brown, and not very affectionate — but somehow that makes her even more lovable.
Every day I feed her, and every day I wonder if I’m making the right choice. Standing in the pet food aisle feels overwhelming. Every bag says the same things: “carefully selected,” “health-conscious design.” I couldn’t tell the difference.
GRANDS caught my eye, and I decided to actually look into it properly.
What Is GRANDS?
Here’s a quick overview.
GRANDS is a premium dog food manufactured in France, with the concept of “a gourmet meal for your dog every day.” Production follows the quality standards of FEDIAF, the European pet food industry association.
It’s designed for all breeds and all life stages, so it works for adult dogs like Momiji.
There are two varieties:
- Chicken & Duck: High palatability, great for picky eaters
- Fish & Salmon: Lower-allergen, omega-3 rich, good for skin health
Price: about $14–$17 per 600g bag (roughly $24–$27 per kg). A first-time trial price is available.
What’s Actually in It?
The biggest selling point is the ingredient composition.
Over 70% animal protein — that’s high compared to most commercial dog foods. Dogs are closer to carnivores than omnivores, so this kind of protein ratio makes sense.
- Grain-free: No wheat, corn, or other grains. Grains are a common allergen trigger, and many owners prefer to avoid them
- No artificial additives: No artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives
- Low-glycemic design: Sweet potato and potato replace grains as carbohydrate sources
Honestly, “grain-free” and “no additives” are claims you see everywhere these days. Whether GRANDS is genuinely different is something you’d only know after trying it.
Why It Might Be a Good Fit for Shiba Inus
This was the part I cared most about.
Shiba Inus are prone to skin problems. Atopic dermatitis and skin inflammation are common in the breed. Momiji’s coat gets a bit rough during shedding season, which is something I always keep an eye on.
The Fish & Salmon variety contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help reduce inflammation and support skin and coat health. For a Shiba with skin sensitivity, the fish-based option might be the better choice over chicken.
The high-protein, low-carb formula also supports weight management — useful for spayed or neutered dogs who tend to gain weight easily. The kibble size is also about 1 cm, which works well for medium-sized dogs.
What Users Are Saying
Here’s what I found in real user reviews — good and bad:
Positive feedback:
- “My picky eater started finishing every meal” — the most common comment
- Improved stool quality and reduced odor
- Noticeable improvement in coat shine, especially with the fish variety
Concerns:
- Price is high — difficult for households with multiple dogs or large breeds
- Not available in physical stores — only through the official site or major online retailers
At around $24–$27 per kg, this is firmly in the premium category. Whether that’s worth it depends on your priorities as an owner.
Price and Where to Buy
There’s a first-time trial offer with free shipping available. Starting with one bag to see how your dog responds is the most practical approach.
Changes in appetite often show up within a few days, so a trial period gives you a clear enough signal.
One important note: GRANDS is completely different from Unicharm’s “Grand Deli” — similar name, totally different product. To avoid confusion, remember it as “the French grain-free premium food, GRANDS.”
Final Thoughts
I’ve stood in the pet food aisle more than once trying to read an ingredient label, only to give up and put it back.
Looking into GRANDS gave me a clearer framework for how I want to think about dog food: protein percentage, grain-free or not, and what’s in the ingredient list. That’s a useful shift.
Whether it’s the right food for your dog — that’s something only your dog can tell you.
I’ll write again once Momiji has tried it and I can see how she responds.
Thanks for reading.
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