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November 11th
Huskies were born to run, and their activity level and appetite are living proof of their origins.
That boundless energy requires a constant supply of high-quality, delicious, and nutritious dog food.
But with hundreds of options available, narrowing down your options is really tough. The average dog owner doesn’t have the time to personally test every brand—but we do.
Today, we’re going to share our experiences with our five top picks for Siberian Husky food, what makes them great, and why you might want to consider them for YOUR Husky.
Before we get into the details, we wanted to say that yes, there are Husky-specific brands of dog food out there. But from our experience, branding a food as “breed specific” is often just marketing.
A lot of these breed-specific Husky dog food brands contain ingredients that we’re not crazy about.
We’ve selected five great brands of food that your Husky will love, based on ingredients, value, and our overall experience with each business. Here are our top five picks for best dog food for Siberian Husky dogs:
Now, let’s get into the details.
Pros
Cons
First 5 ingredients (beef recipe):
Our top rated dog food for Huskies, Ollie delivers premium, human-grade dog food delivered right to your doorstep. Ollie meals are completely customized based on your individual dog, and all of their ingredients and meals are high quality. Plus, Ollie makes their meals here in the US.
Besides that, our customer service experience with Ollie was nothing short of phenomenal. Shipping is convenient too, and you can skip or cancel orders whenever you want. Our top choice for Siberian Husky dog food.
Pros
Cons
First 5 ingredients (beef recipe)
When it comes to raw diets, we believe that TruDog is the best food for Huskies there is. TruDog’s raw meals really look like food your dog would eat in the “wild,” and our dogs definitely loved to eat them. TruDog also has great customer support.
In addition, TruDog sources their ingredients in the US. TruDog’s meals are a total meal source and contain no unnecessary additives or artificial ingredients.
Pros
Cons
First 5 ingredients (lamb recipe)
Ziwi just appeared on our radar, and we’re really glad we discovered this brand. The company has an impressive stable of dog food variety to offer, and the three recipes we tried (venison, lamb and beef) were a huge hit with the dogs.
Ziwi is expensive because of the air drying process, but that also means you don’t need to feed your dog as much food as you might think. With many of the benefits of a raw diet, we highly recommend Ziwi Peak as one of the best dry dog food for Huskies.
Pros
Cons
First 5 ingredients (original recipe)
Diamond Naturals is one of the highest-rated, most-reviewed and most-recommended brands of dog food, and we were pretty impressed with their food (so were our dogs).
Their original formula will suffice for most dogs, but you may want to opt for more specific recipes if your pooch has certain health conditions. Pound for pound, this brand is a great dog food brand with great value.
Pros
Cons
First 5 ingredients (High Prairie recipe)
Taste of the Wild is a highly affordable dry dog food option, and one that we’ve tried for many of our own dogs.
One of our favorite recipes is their High Prairie formula, which is grain-free and contains roasted venison and bison. We’re a fan of alternative protein sources, especially for dogs who are either picky (like Huskies) or may be sensitive to more common proteins like chicken or beef.
Huskies are one of the most athletic and energetic dog breeds in the entire world. These puppers need A LOT of exercise to keep them physically and emotionally satisfied. As a Husky owner, you probably already know this!
Of course, being in motion constantly means requiring a high-octane food source. On the flipside, Huskies that don’t get enough exercise are prone to weight gain.
The average 50-pound Siberian Husky needs anywhere from 1000 to 1200 calories per day, but this can vary quite a bit depending on your dog’s activity level.
Whether you’re looking for the best puppy food for Siberian Huskies or adult food, consult with your vet to make sure you’re hitting those calorie requirements.
Huskies are relatively healthy puppers, but there are a handful of health conditions the breed often develops that could be influenced by the food they eat. So, what can Huskies eat, and what should you look out for?
High Blood Pressure
Huskies often suffer from high blood pressure, meaning you may want to limit your dog’s intake of saturated fats. Untreated, high blood pressure can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other dangerous health conditions.
Arthritis
Arthritis is common in dogs in general, and Huskies are no different. For older Huskies, you may want to select food sources that are fortified with supplements known to improve joint health (like chondroitin and glucosamine).
Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis
This skin disease is common in Huskies who don’t receive adequate zinc from their diets, so be sure to check the amount of zinc in any food you want to buy for your Husky.
Before we get into the specifics of Husky food, let’s go over what you should look for in any dog food brand.
Pick food that’s sourced and made in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or Western Europe.
Food manufactured in these locations is typically subjected to higher safety and health standards, meaning your pet food is less likely to show up on our list of recalls every month.
Avoid unnecessary additives..
Artificial flavors and colors are really unnecessary—your dog doesn’t care what color his kibble is. For allergy-prone dogs, these ingredients can even become a nuisance by triggering your dog’s sensitive immune response.
Look for quality protein sources in the first five ingredients (and especially as the first ingredient).
While some high-quality dog food brands do list a carb as their first ingredient, from our experience the top brands will feature ingredient lists that are heavier on protein sources.
Look for healthy fat sources.
Your dog needs fat in their diet, and some good sources are chicken fat, flaxseed and canola oil (among others).
Meat-meal isn’t necessarily bad (but it can be).
Meat meal sounds gross to humans, but your dog loves it. Depending on the type of meat used in the meal, meat meals can be both healthy and delicious for your pet.
However, avoid food products that aren’t crystal clear about which animal the meat meal is coming from.
The same goes for byproducts.
Byproducts are not universally evil, but your chosen food should clearly indicate where these byproducts come from. Something generic like “animal byproduct” should be avoided.
Look for zinc.
Huskies are susceptible to zinc deficiency dermatitis, which is hereditary. If your dog suffers from the disease, you’ll want to make sure your dog’s food contains enough zinc.
Calcium and phosphorus?
Huskies need strong bones to maintain peak mobility—especially puppies.
Probiotics are great!
Probiotics can help these picky eaters absorb as many nutrients as possible, helping them get the most out of their food.
Vitamin E?
Maintain that luxurious Husky coat with vitamin E, which is also a powerful antioxidant.
Food to avoid?
Luckily, Huskies are pretty resistant to food allergies that plague many breeds. However, there are some foods you shouldn’t feed your Husky, including:
While these dogs are not prone to allergies, they ARE often lactose- or gluten-intolerant, meaning you may want to avoid milk and wheat in your dog’s diet altogether.
All breeds have their picky eaters, but Huskies seem to be some of the pickiest. That pickiness can make finding the best Husky food a challenge, as some dogs will turn down what looks like an A+ meal for no apparent reason.
As with humans, every dog is unique. Your Husky may turn up his nose at food that every one of your friends’ dogs absolutely love. With that said, here are a few tricks to ensure that meal time goes off without a hitch.
Try stirring warm water into your dog’s food.
Warm water can make the texture of the food more palatable for your Husky, and can stir up scent particles into the air—hopefully enough to get your pooch’s mouth watering.
Add a little fat.
If the water didn’t work, try adding a little bit of raw fat like peanut oil, vegetable oil or olive oil.
Remember, fat is super high in calories, so don’t add too much.
Add wet food to your dog’s kibble.
If you feed your Husky dry kibble, you may want to consider adding a small amount of wet food into the mix. Always be mindful of the calories when mixing food to make sure your Husky maintains a healthy weight.
Of course, if your dog just hates kibble in general, you may want to consider human-grade fresh food or a raw diet.
Huskies can just get bored sometimes.
We’ve talked to several Husky owners who observed that their dogs just seem to get bored of being given the same food every day.
If you’re mixing food into your dog’s kibble, trying rotating what you offer your pooch on a weekly basis. For example, add carrots one week, beef the next, so on and so forth.
You can also solve this problem by using a reputable meal delivery service that allows you to choose from different fresh or raw recipes for home delivery—which is exactly what one friend did for their picky Husky.
Keep your dog’s joint health in mind.
Huskies are prone to developing arthritis as they age, making food products and supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin attractive.
Look for Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.
Many vets believe that omega fatty acids promote coat and joint health, and can reduce your dog’s inflammatory response.
DHA in particular is known to promote eye development and aid brain function.
Probiotics are another plus, but don’t overlook the importance of ingredient choice.
If your dog has a finicky tummy, picking a food that contains probiotics and prebiotics may be a wise choice.
Of course, some dogs just can’t handle certain foods—like chicken or beef—that other dogs can. Switching to an alternative protein source (lamb, venison) may help.
Your Husky may benefit from multiple daily feedings to keep their metabolism at peak performance. While twice-per-day feedings may be enough, you may want to consider feeding your dog three times per day if you can.
By spreading out your dog’s meals, you’re also reducing the amount of food that’s hanging out in your pooch’s stomach at any one time.
First of all, this will help your Husky feel lighter and more comfortable. Second of all, it could offer a small amount of protection against bloat.
Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach becomes twisted. When this happens, the presence of food in the stomach can weigh it down, cutting off the flow of blood to your dog’s digestive tract. At this point, gas cannot escape—and death can happen within hours.
Sadly, bloat is poorly understood. Two factors that vets think MIGHT contribute to bloat are:
Husky owners know that these athletic, energetic dogs are often prone to bounding around the house for no reason at all—which is why it might be a good idea to put your dog on a more frequent feeding schedule.
Some factors that are nearly unique to Huskies compared with other breeds is that:
Still wondering what is the best dog food for a Husky? We’ve got you covered with Huskies diet answers.
Does breed size affect dog food choice? What do Husky eat?
Absolutely. Your dog’s breed and size will affect how much, how often and what kind of food you feed them.
Small breeds will have an easier time with soft food or bite-sized dry food, while large breeds will want meals with supplements geared towards bone and joint health.
If you own a Husky, on the other hand, one of the biggest factors is variety. These dogs get bored easily, and remember well the foods they hate.
Does activity level have anything to do with the best dog food?
Huskies need a lot of exercise, and physically active dogs will need calorie-dense food to keep them happy and healthy. If you’re feeding your couch potato food designed for hardworking and highly active dogs, you risk your pup putting on unhealthy weight.
What’s the difference between puppy food, senior food, etc?
While puppies eat less than adult dogs, their food needs to contain a higher ratio of fat and protein relative to adult food.
Pregnant Huskies will need to eat more, too. Breastfeeding Huskies will need more fat, protein and moisture in their diets.
Sick dogs may need to reduce their food intake, and seniors will look for food with more fiber and supplements designed to promote joint health.
What if my dog is overweight?
Obesity can hit your Husky hard if he’s being overfed and underexercised. To combat obesity, try making food available at set intervals (as opposed to constant availability), decreasing treat frequency, and upping your dog’s exercise routine.
Dry, wet, fresh, freeze-dried…what to do for Huskies food?
Huskies are so picky that finding the ideal food for your dog can be frustrating. We suggest working closely with your vet to find a food source that’s both balanced AND dog-approved.
How do I know if my dog is allergic to his food?
Dogs often display itching, skin infections, gas, diarrhea or vomiting when they’re allergic to food. Luckily, Husky allergies aren’t as common as other breeds.
What does the food label really mean for Husky puppy food?
When we conduct our trials and reviews of dog food, we’re more concerned with the first five ingredients because dog food labels list ingredients in order from most to least (by dry weight). That means a food that lists five great meat sources at the top of the list is PROBABLY better than food with the SAME ingredients at the bottom of the list.
I’m still not sure which food to pick.
Give your dog a trial of each of your top choices, see which ones have the biggest impact on your pooch’s health, and which one your Husky prefers the most. Sometimes it’s just trial and error with Huskies—take advantage of our reader discounts and test to your heart’s content. Whether you settle on Royal Canin Husky or one of our picks, let your dog’s nose lead the way.
What else should I consider when buying food?
Reviews, recalls, research, you name it. These details might seem tiny, but your dog will thank you later!
What’s the best dog food for Huskies / best dog food for Husky puppy? What about the best dog treats for Huskies? How much to feed a Husky puppy?
There are five main types of dog food available, each with their pros and cons. But no matter which kind of food you pick, the most important factor is choosing a formula that meets all of your pet’s nutritional needs. So, what do Siberian Husky eat?
Dry food tends to be the most affordable and economical type of food out there, and that’s a big reason why it’s so popular. Besides that, dry food tends to last for a long time, and doesn’t require refrigeration.
Dry food can help keep your dog’s teeth clean and healthy because chewing crunchy, hard food can prevent tartar buildup, and can be one of the best dog food for husky puppies, as well as best affordable dog food.
When choosing a brand of dry food, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure that quality food is one of the main ingredients, and that you’re picking the best dry dog food for Siberian Husky.
When asking what do Huskies eat, canned food sometimes pops up as the answer—sometimes even for best puppy food for Husky.
Most dog breeds love canned/wet food (including Huskies puppies), and it also boasts a relatively long shelf life. However, canned food can be a lot more expensive than dry food.
For a lot of owners, this expensive is justified—but not every brand of canned food is worth the cost, even the best puppy food for Huskies.
You have to check how much digestible protein the food contains, as indigestible protein will pass right through your dog’s digestive system without being absorbed.
Besides that, canned food is usually about 75% water. The more water it contains, the less nutrients it contains. If you do choose a canned food, make sure it’s labeled “100% nutritionally complete.”
Commercial food shaped like burgers, pork chops, etc., are called semi-moist.
These types of food tend to be the least nutritional of any food available, and often contain a lot of artificial flavors and coloring. These might be OK as an infrequent Husky dog treats but should not be considered a whole diet.
If you value the ability to be in total control of your dog’s diet, you may consider home-cooked meals for your dog or Siberian Husky puppy food. It’s also a great way to manage Husky weight.
Home-cooked, fresh meals let you decide exactly what goes on your pet’s plate and be 100% sure that his nutritional needs are being met. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re choosing the best food for Husky with sensitive stomach problems.
Home-cooked food is inconvenient, expensive and time-consuming, which is why we typically recommend busy dog owners to choose a fresh meal delivery service like Ollie instead of DIY.
What do Siberian Huskies eat on a Husky raw diet? What about Husky puppy diet?
Raw food for Siberian Husky diet consist of raw meat and raw bones, with organ meats mixed in as well. Many dogs thrive on raw diets, since their short digestive tracts (compared to humans) can more easily digest raw foods. Husky eating habits also favor raw food consumption for some dogs.
Like home cooked meals, preparing your dog’s raw diet at home can be very time-consuming (even without cooking). Again, that’s why we recommend raw food delivery services like TruDog. Grind up pounds of cow bones at home just one time, and you’ll see why.
Ask your vet if raw food is the best food for Husky puppy in your specific situation.
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