Getting a pet is one job; choosing the best dietary meal for them is another. Huskies are friendly and playful, but they can also be moody at times. Additionally, these dogs have particular nutritional needs and are picky eaters. So, how can you choose the best dog food for huskies?
What you feed your huskies primarily depends on their age, size, and metabolism. Furthermore, there are several factors to consider when choosing the proper diet for your furry friends. Let us explore those factors now.
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds
- Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- Nutro Max Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
- ORIJEN Premium Dry Dog Food: Six Fish
- Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Siberian Husky Diet and Complete Nutrition: A Brief Review
The Siberian Husky is very popular, and if you’ve got one of these dog breeds, you may be inclined to know the best dog food for huskies. This dog breed can pull loads of items over a long distance, so you might want to pump them with a lot of protein.
An active Siberian Husky weighing 50 pounds would need a total of 1,358 calories every day. These numbers may increase or reduce depending on if your Siberian Husky is active or neutered. However, it’ll be best to check this out before deciding on what dog food you want to get for your huskies.
Furthermore, note that serving your Siberian Husky with an incomplete diet may have side effects. Feeding your dog with just a chicken meal or turkey meal and too many bones isn’t a complete diet.
Huskies are active and need many high-energy foods to stay that way. So, pump your Siberian Husky with a lot of high-quality protein, moderate-high fat, and low carbohydrates. This will keep them active and happy all day.
Eating habits of the Siberian Husky
Don’t be surprised if you place a bowl of whole-grain brown rice or puppy food and your Siberian Husky sniffs it away. Unlike most dogs, huskies are picky eaters. They prefer specificity in what they consume since they burn a lot of calories. Hence, your Siberian Husky’s eating habits might depend on how much it runs around or the exercise it engages in.
One eating habit you should note about your Siberian Husky is that they tend to eat more after a prolonged exercise. However, if your Husky refuses to take your bowl of ocean fish meal, just take it for the long run.
Huskies are naturally stubborn, and a minor thing can make them reject their food. Furthermore, they are quite individualistic and can quickly become bored with what you feed them.
Don’t leave food for too long if you don’t want your Siberian Husky to reject it. Additionally, if you find that your Husky isn’t sick and is rejecting a particular food, it’s best to return the food to the container and try again in a few weeks.
What Makes the Best Dog Food for Huskies?
When it comes to the best dog food for huskies, protein and fat are essential factors to consider. Typically, it would be best to feed your dog with a lot of protein and fat to maintain its active lifestyle.
Additionally, they also need high-quality vegetables, fruits, and of course, don’t forget the meat!
Here is the complete nutrition guide to help you when buying good dog food for huskies or huskie puppies:
Two to Three Meat Proteins
A single meal protein is suitable for most dogs, but not huskies. Huskies are one of the most active dog breeds, and feeding them with dog foods that contain single meat protein will do them more harm than good. Ensure to look for whole meat like chicken, beef liver, and fish when shopping.
Healthy Fats
Meat protein is good, but healthy fats are the best way to make your huskies remain active. If you want your Husky to stay healthy and active, make sure healthy fats such as chicken fat, canola oil, or flat seeds are amongst the ingredients of dog food for huskies. These healthy fats are good for your dog’s overall health and performance.
Omega 3s and DHA
Huskies have adorable fur, and the Omega 3s have a significant impact on the skin and coat of your dog. Most dog foods lack this ingredient, which will significantly impact your dog’s fur and health. However, ensure to check for this ingredient and don’t miss it out on the food label.
Additionally, DHA is another important ingredient for your Siberian Husky puppy as this ingredient focuses on developing your dog’s eye and brain. The best dog food for huskies should contain a lot of DHA as this ingredient is vital during the first few months of your Husky’s growth.
Carbohydrates
Although proteins are more critical to your huskies, they also require a small amount of carbohydrates to keep their blood sugar level in check. Make sure, however, that the carbohydrates come from low-glycemic carbs like sweet potatoes.
High-Calorie Foods
One common habit amongst huskies is that they are fond of skipping meals. This is where adding high-calorie foods to their meal plan comes in handy. However, with these ingredients, you don’t have to bother much about your Husky skipping meals because each meal will have enough nutrients and calories
Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your Siberian Husky
You already know the types of food your huskies love. Now it’s time to know what not to feed your dog. Here are five dog foods for huskies to avoid.
Foods That Contain a Large Amount of Dairy
Consider foods with milk, wheat, and whey as poisonous ingredients for your dog. This is because most huskies are lactose or gluten-intolerant. Feeding your huskies with a large amount of dairy can lead to gas and loose stools. However, you can feed your huskies with low-fat Greek yogurt and some kind of cheese, provided they are given in moderate quantities.
Stay Off Onions and the Entire Garlic Family
Make sure dog food for huskies doesn’t contain onion or any form of garlic. These food ingredients can affect your huskie’s red blood cells, which may lead to anemia. If your dog begins to vomit, experience weakness, or difficulty breathing, then avoid these foods at all costs.
Cooked Bones and Fat Trimmings
If you think feeding your huskies with cooked bones and other table scraps is a great idea, then think again. Fat trimmings from meat can cause pancreatitis, infection, and serious abdominal pains. Furthermore, your huskies can choke from cooked bones, which can also cause serious issues within their digestive tract.
Raisins, Grapes, and Macadamia Nuts
If you haven’t heard, feeding your huskies with raisins and grapes can cause kidney failure. Take your huskies to the vet immediately if you notice signs of repetitive vomiting and lethargy, as these are the first signs of kidney failure. Additionally, it’s not advisable to feed your huskies with nuts. Nuts are actually poisonous to your dogs, and they can be fatal to your huskies.
Feeding your huskies with these nuts can cause health issues such as muscle tremors, vomiting, weakness, increased temperature, and a rapid heart rate. If possible, it’s best to avoid feeding your huskies with foods that contain Macadamia nuts.
Coffee and Tea
Caffeine isn’t great for your dog’s system, and a large intake can be fatal. Note that there’s little you can do to save your dog if you make such a mistake. Caffeine can make your dog become restless and cause other issues such as muscle tremors, rapid breathing, and vomiting.
Best Feeding Schedule for Huskies
The feeding schedule for your huskies varies depending on their age. Additionally, it would be best if you feed your Husky in small but frequent portions, and the number of portions per day should reduce as they grow older
Here’s a universal feeding schedule on how often you should feed your dogs.
Age | Meals per Day |
Two to four months | Four |
Four to six months | Three |
Six to eight months | Two to three |
Eight months and older | Two |
Keep in mind that dogs are different, and just like humans, every dog has its specific needs.
Top 5 Best Foods for Huskies in 2022 (Complete Reviews)
Several dog foods for huskies are available online, and finding the best doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a list of five top brands and products that’ll provide all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy.
1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for huskies you’ll find available online. This product comes with many nutrients and vitamins that would keep your dogs strong, healthy, and active. This high-quality dog food contains high-quality protein, DHA from fish oil, and a balanced set of minerals to promote strong bones and teeth.
Furthermore, the food has a high proportion of carbs and quality fat to help keep your dog active all day.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
- Calculated Calories: The Hill’s Science dry dog food knows the importance of preventing under or over-feeding in dogs. One cup of this high-quality dog food contains 363 calories.
- Kibble Size: This dog food comes in small kibble sizes, which your Husky puppy can easily digest. Moreover, this puppy food is easy to chew, swallow, and it is the best option for your few-month-old puppies.
- High-Quality Protein: Your huskies need lots of love, and feeding them with high-quality foods is one way to prove it. This dog food for huskies contains delicious chicken flavors, which dogs love and help them build and maintain healthy muscles.
- Uses DHA Oil from Fish: You’ll find DHA, yet another critical ingredient in this product. This ingredient helps your months-old huskies to develop a healthy brain and eyes.
Pros
- Easy to digest
- Gives your dog healthy stool
- Healthier growth
- Food smells and looks better
- Veterinarian recommended
Cons
- May cause diarrhea in some dogs
2. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Want your adult huskies to love you even more, then give them a cup of this Taste of the wild dry dog food for huskies. This adult food focuses on high-quality proteins. The first five ingredients you’ll find on the pack are buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas.
Other ingredients you’ll find on this dog food includes peas, canola oil, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, this dog food contains vegetables, legumes, and fruits that provide potent antioxidants to help maintain your dog’s vitality and overall health. Lastly, the roasted bison and venison in this high-quality dog food will leave your huskies craving more.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
- High-Quality Protein: This dog food for huskies is rich in protein and contains 32% protein, primarily from fresh buffalo and lamb meals.
- Omega Fatty Acids: This dog food is rich in omega-three fatty acids, which are important for developing your dog’s fur and coat health. Watch how your dog goes healthy and shiny in no time with this dog food.
- Contains Species-Specific Probiotics: This product contains K9 strain proprietary probiotics and extra antioxidants to help support healthy digestion and overall health and wellness.
Pros
- Affordable
- High protein and fat
- Easy to digest
- Boosts your dog’s digestive and immune system
- Grain-free
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions in some dogs
- Contains meat meal alongside the high-quality protein source
3. Nutro Max Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Max, as a company, has been in the dog food business for a long time, and this company has been committed to providing quality dog food for your huskies. Although this product has fewer ingredients, you can rest assured that your huskies will not suffer from any digestive issues.
This dog food contains real chicken as the primary source of protein which helps your huskies develop strong muscles. Additionally, this dog food contains vital antioxidants to improve immunity and natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Furthermore, the formulas in this dog food help improve your dog’s appetite.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
- Contains Tasty Chicken: This dog food for huskies contains tasty chicken that delivers essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog’s metabolism.
- Quality Natural Ingredients: Nutro Max ingredients come from trusted farmers and suppliers. Furthermore, this dog food has no chicken by-product meal, corn, or wheat. Additionally, it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Naturally Sourced Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin are the nutritional building blocks of healthy cartilage. Feed your dogs with the right fiber to help promote the development of healthy joints and bones.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-quality animal protein
- Improves overall metabolism
- Trusted ingredients
Cons
- May cause an upset stomach
- May cause smelly gas
4. ORIJEN Premium Dry Dog Food: Six Fish
If you don’t mind spending some extra cash, then this product is one of the best dry dog food for huskies available on the market. Orijen has received a five-star rating from the Doctors Food Advisors, which is very hard to achieve.
Orijen focuses on organic ingredients as 85% of their dog food contains pure whole animal meat, organs, cartilage, and bones. Furthermore, the other 15% contains vegetables and botanicals. Orijen’s six fish dog food delivers a rich diet. It contains various fishes such as Atlantic mackerel, herring, monkfish, flounder, Acadian redfish, and silver hake. Furthermore, note that your huskies will be getting an abundance of DHA and fish oils with this product.
What Makes This dog food for huskies Stand Out
- An abundance of Fish Oil: This Orijen dry dog food for huskies contains various nutrient-rich fishes that deliver a lot of DHA and fish oils. You’ll struggle to find another dog food with such a high amount of fish oil. These nutrients are essential for developing your dog’s immune system, brain, skin, and fur.
- Trusted Suppliers: Orijen focuses on quality and ensures that none of its ingredients are outsourced. Most of their ingredients are organic and have no artificial flavors or colors. This company makes all its food, ensuring you get the best in terms of quality and safety.
- High Protein and Fat, Low Carbs: This Orijen dog food for huskies contains high protein, fat, and low carbs. This dog food is the perfect meal to nourish your huskies according to their biological and natural needs.
Pros
- Great for your dog’s skin and fur
- Grain-free
- Improves appetite
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Might be too pricey
5. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Purina is another famous brand that has been in the dog food business for a long time. This company uses high-quality ingredients for their pet food. Their adult food formula is a top recommendation for senior huskies. Dog foods that contain natural ingredients are always a preferred option for huskies.
The first ingredient you will find on this dog food package is salmon. Salmons are stomach-friendly, and they are a good source of protein that can help build your huskies’ muscles. This easily digestible dog food is a top choice for your huskies’ sensitive stomach. It features a highly digestive formula and nourishes the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s stomach.
Salmon oil is also rich in omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A that help nourish your dog’s skin and promote healthy joints and mobility.
What Makes This Product Stand Out
- High-Quality Nutrients: This dog food contains 30% protein and 20% fat formula to keep your Husky active, fueled, and ready to take on anything. Further, this dog food is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals and contains powerful probiotics to improve your dog’s overall health.
- Sensitive Skin and Stomach: Purina focuses on nourishing your dog’s sensitive system by providing easy-to-digest formulas and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. Furthermore, these formulas are great for your huskies’ overall health and well-being.
- Available for All Breed Sizes: Purina dry dog food is not only suitable for your Husky puppy but also adults, large and small breeds.
Pros
- No poultry by-product meal
- Fortified with probiotics to promote immune health
- Digestive system friendly
- Ideal for sensitive dog skin
- Grain-free
- Improves dog’s skin and coat health
- Veterinarian approved
Cons
- Might cause allergies
- Limited recipes or formulas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal for huskies not to eat?
Huskies are picky eaters and can quickly become bored of a particular food or flavor. Furthermore, they may reject food if it causes them to vomit or become ill.
Are wet foods good for huskies?
Dry foods are the best for feeding dogs and, to some extent, even cats. It’s best to avoid these kinds of dog foods if you care about your huskie’s teeth. Although wet foods are easy to digest and help keep your dogs hydrated, it does lead to a build-up of plaque in the teeth.
How much should you feed your huskies?
The best way to figure this out is to check the feeding guide on the back of whatever dog food for huskies you are buying. Dogs are different, and their individual needs may vary. You may be feeding your dog too much if they are leaving leftovers. Additionally, you may need to feed them more if they are still looking for more food. However, it’s best to check the feeding guide at the back of the food package so as not to negatively affect your Husky’s weight.
Can dry dog food help prevent loose stool?
In most cases, loose stools result from lousy dog food formulas. A well-balanced dog’s diet is the secret to preventing loose stool. However, if your dog has this issue, check in with the vet right away and see if you made any recent changes to their food formulas.
Key Points to Take Away
Huskies are a great pet to have, but they are also known to be picky when it comes to certain types of food. Always keep a close eye on your Siberian Husky after feeding them, and don’t be scared to try out something new. Some dogs experience vomiting and diarrhea when introducing them to a new formula or dog food. If that’s the case, it’s best to set aside that dog food right away. Additionally, by knowing what nutrients your huskies need, you can determine the right food combination to keep them healthy, happy, and active. Make sure you give them the right food they need if you don’t want them to skip meals.