Siberian and Alaskan huskies are widely known as energetic, athletic and intelligent dogs. Originating from arctic regions, they are equipped with a thick coat of fur that can withstand incredibly cold temperatures. Bred to be working dogs, huskies evolved to function on a small amount of Food. Choosing the best Dog Food for your husky is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your dog’s health.

Huskies were used in Alaska during the gold rush at the end of the 1800s. Their biggest claim to fame was bringing diphtheria serum to Nome, AK in 1925. The famous Iditarod dogsled race is ran yearly to commemorate this historic event.

Nowadays, huskies make great pets. Their high level of intelligence attracts dog lovers interested in training, but also makes them incredibly mischievous (they are well-known escape artists). Any dog that was bred for work tends to be high energy and huskies are no exception. If you’re looking for a dog to be your running or walking companion, huskies are a great choice!

Here are our top 5 recommended dog foods for your husky

Keeping your husky healthy

Siberian husky males should weigh between 45 - 60 pounds when fully grown, females should be around 35 - 50 pounds. For Alaskan huskies, full-grown males should weigh between 40 - 60 pounds and full-grown females should be around 35 - 48 pounds.

When looking for any dog food, you should look for a brand that complies with the AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy or purpose. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends a minimum of 22.5% protein for growth (puppies) and 18% protein for maintenance in adult dogs. 8.5% fat is recommended for growth (puppies) and 5.5% fat for maintenance in adult dogs.

Unlike other medium-sized dogs, huskies sometimes choose not to eat if they are not hungry. Despite not being big eaters, huskies can have a hard time losing weight. Always pay attention to your dog’s size and weight. If you take your dog in for regular check-ups (like you should), your vet can help monitor your dog’s health.

Huskies are prone to hip dysplasia, which can be exacerbated by over-feeding your dog. Exercising your husky regularly is just as important as keeping them on a consistent feeding schedule in order to maintain a healthy weight and size.

If your dog is a light eater, you can feed them food with a higher protein percentage. The higher protein content means the food is more densely packed with calories, so they’ll get more calories from less food.

These formulas tend to be higher quality overall and offer your dog more nutrients, so they are a good choice regardless of your dog’s eating habits. While these brands are a bit more expensive, you should spend a little bit more and get your dog quality food. Imagine what your health would be like if you only ate the cheapest food available!

While you should try to stick to the recommended serving listed on the bag of dog food you buy, it’s always important to monitor your dog’s eating habits. If you notice any odd behavior or changes in their eating habits, contact your vet before changing your dog’s food.

Remember that each dog is different, even if they’re the same breed. It is up to you as a responsible dog owner to monitor your dog’s weight, size and general health. This chart is a good reference:

Huskies can get bored easily and this also applies to their food. While I recommend feeding your dog dry food, some owners like to add a spoonful of wet food on top of the dry food to keep their husky interested. If your husky becomes disinterested in their food you might want to try this approach before switching out their food completely. A dog can become disinterested in food for a number of reasons, so don’t hesitate to contact your vet for advice.

Our choices for the best dog food for your husky

Wellness CORE Dog Food

Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula

Blue Buffalo Dry Adult Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Orijen Original Dry Dog Food

Conclusion

Owning a husky is a lot of work. Their energetic and intelligent nature make them a lot of fun to be around, but also presents many challenges to their owner. Choosing the best dog food for your husky will boost their quality of life.

As with any dog, you must monitor their overall health. Exercising your husky daily is just as important as what you feed them. Huskies can stop eating or refuse to eat for a number of reasons. If they start acting differently, eating less or become less energetic contact your vet to have them looked at.

I hope this article provided you with knowledge and information to help maintain a healthy life for your husky! If you have tried any of the brands of food I listed I would love to hear about your experience, so feel free to leave a comment below.