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Dr. Shiba began with a problem at home. Founder Philipp Renner wanted a simpler way to give his golden retriever, Ley, daily wellness support.
“At the start, I wasn’t thinking about building an entire pet-care range,” Renner said. “I was trying to solve a very ordinary problem with Ley.”
“I wanted something useful that she would be excited to take, and something I could realistically give her every day.”
The answer was a soft chew that could carry functional ingredients without feeling like another tablet. Ley could enjoy it as a treat, and Renner could give it consistently.
The idea behind the first treats
Dr. Shiba’s original range grew into Happy Tummy, Jolly Joints, Silky Fur and Pro Immune. Each one addressed a concern pet parents already knew well, such as digestion, mobility, skin and coat, or immune support.
The soft-chew format was central to the idea. It allowed supplementation to fit into a familiar moment between a person and a dog: giving a treat.
“Ley is very clear about what she likes,” Renner said. “But getting her to eat something is only the first test. The harder work is making sure it is responsibly formulated and clear enough for a pet parent to use properly.”
That thinking stayed with Dr. Shiba as it moved beyond supplements. Kind Kibble brought the brand into daily food. Chompies added dental care, while Magic Mist offered light cleaning and hygiene for dogs and cats.
PowerPup carries the same idea into puppyhood. It is a goat-milk-flavored daily chew developed for puppies from two to 12 months old.
Its formulation includes colostrum, probiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as a vitamin complex. It is designed to complement a complete puppy diet rather than replace one.
Kind Kibble Hypoallergenic gives adult dogs another food option and was developed for sensitive dogs and picky eaters.
“Colostrum plays a real role in early immune function, and probiotics make a big difference in how well puppies digest their food,” said Dr. Roxanne Ignacio, Dr. Shiba vet ambassador and veterinarian at Jads4 Animal Clinic.
“But it needs to go with a complete diet and regular checkups. It’s a supplement, not a substitute.”
“As we moved into new categories, we kept asking whether each product would make everyday care easier for the dog and the person,” Renner said. “The range is wider now, but each product still has to earn its place in the routine.”
Care beyond Ley’s home
As Dr. Shiba grew, it also began supporting dogs still waiting for homes. Its continuing partnership with Pawssion Project includes treat donations and a portion of profits allocated to the organization’s animal-welfare work.
The partnership also produced A Day in Their Forever Home with photographer Shaira Luna.
Adoptable dogs and cats, including senior animals, were photographed in a home setting so people could see more of their personalities outside the shelter.
“Ley is the reason this company exists, so it would feel incomplete to celebrate Dog Day without thinking about the dogs who are still waiting for a family,” Renner said.
“Our work with Pawssion is one way we can support them while they wait.”
People considering adoption can meet Pawssion Project’s rescues and begin the application process at pawssionproject.org.ph.
For Renner, International Dog Day is also a reminder that care does not have to be elaborate.
“Give your dog a little more of what they already love, whether that is a slower walk, their favorite game or just more time beside you,” he said. “And if it makes their day better, keep doing it after Dog Day.”
On August 26, Dr. Shiba is also holding a one-day International Dog Day Sale, with selected items marked down by as much as 30 percent. Pet parents can shop the sale through Dr. Shiba’s official stores on Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop. They can also order directly online at dr-shiba.com.
