Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dog Food
“Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dog Food is packed with ingredients all good for your Husky. It has biologically appropriate ingredients to give your dog the right kind and amount of nutrients to stay healthy.”
Best For Puppies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food
“Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food contains dried kelp to start fighting hypothyroidism from a young age. It is also a great source of protein and fat that suit the needs of an active Husky puppy.”
Best for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior
“Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior this grain-free dog food meets a senior dog’s nutritional requirements. It is a good protein source and has added vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system.”
Finding the best dog food for huskies can be more of a task than a pet parent might realise.
Parents of huskies will know that these bouncy, active pups can be quite fussy when it comes to food. Although they’re generally highly active they are what we call self-regulating eaters, meaning they simply won’t eat if they don’t feel hungry.
Because of this, it’s extra important to make sure that the food your husky is eating is packed full of nutrients that will see him through the day if he doesn’t eat as much as other pups might during the day.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Huskies
- 1. Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
- 2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Puppy Food
- 3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior
- 4. American Journey Dry Dog Food
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Wild Weenies
- 6. Instinct Raw Boost
- 7. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Food
- 8. Nutro Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food
- 9. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
- 10. Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen Dog Food
- 1. Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- How much food should I feed my husky?
- What kind of diet is best for huskies?
- What is the ideal nutritional makeup of the best dog food for huskies?
- What are the foods that huskies should avoid?
- Is my husky better off with wet food or dry food?
- What are the health concerns I should be aware of with huskies?
- How much food should I feed my husky?
Best Dog Food For Huskies
1. Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: High-calorie and high in protein
PROS
- High calorie and high in protein
- Great levels of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
- 85% animal ingredients, 15% fruits, and vegetables
- Very nutrient-dense food
CONS
- One of the more expensive foods on the market
- May not be suitable for less active dogs
Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dog Food is a high-calorie, high-protein dry kibble that is packed full of nutrients, and makes our top spot as the best dog food for huskies.
The idea behind it is that your dog (especially a husky) is wired the same way as a wolf, and as such, should eat a similar diet to his wild ancestor. It’s made up of 85% fresh meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, which gives it the 38% protein content. The other 15% comprises of fruits and vegetables (including kelp), vitamins and minerals, and botanical inclusions, so this ingredient list is filled with good stuff. Due to the high protein and calorie count (470 per cup), this food is best fed to active pups, although most huskies will thrive on this fresh meat and veggie diet.
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“Biologically Appropriate” Nutrition
Huskies are one of the breeds that are considered to be closest to their ancestor, the wolf. While they look fairly similar to wolves, their digestive systems are considered to be quite close too, so it would follow logically that their diet should be similar. In the wild, wolves eat fresh, raw meat and vegetation, so that’s what this food is made up of.
There are various protein sources, which is quite appropriate, and a mix of muscle meat, organ meat, bone, and cartilage, exactly as a wild canine would eat. There’s also a variety of vegetables and fruits, as canines are omnivores. The mix of ingredients here is fairly accurate when it comes to being “biologically appropriate”, and are all great quality. The protein count is fairly high, at 38%, but this is quite all right for a husky’s metabolism.
Additional Nutrients
The guaranteed analysis list on Orijen’s food states that it’s “designed to mirror Mother Nature”. In addition to the great protein and carb sources, the nutrients are health-promoting and balanced.
The calcium and phosphorus ratio is great, and the levels of Omega-3 and -6 are some of the highest. Glucosamine, chondroitin, EPA, and DHA are superb inclusions that make a lot of difference to your pet’s joints and healthy brain function. Everything included in this food makes a difference to your pup’s nutrition and health, and it’s worth the price tag for active, healthy, bouncy huskies.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Puppy Food
Best For Husky Puppies: High in calories, animal protein, and healthy fats
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PROS
- Great protein and fat levels
- Contains DHA and ARA (for healthy development)
- Contains dried kelp (to combat hypothyroidism from a young age)
- Added LifeSource Bits (antioxidant, vitamin and mineral blend)
CONS
- No glucosamine or chondroitin
Husky puppies are generally bouncy little things, and benefit from a food that’s high in calories and high in animal protein and healthy fats.
The numbers in Blue Buffalo Wilderness High-Protein Puppy Food are great, and would suit an active husky puppy. The additions of DHA and ARA (useful fatty acids) contribute towards the healthy development of brain tissue and eyes, which is great for husky pups as they are prone to eye issues later in life. There’s also a dash of dried kelp in there, which can be a useful thing to feed your pup from when they’re little as it keeps the thyroid working and lessens the chance of thyroid problems later on.
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Optimal Protein and Fat Counts
Puppies generally need more calories and higher nutrient counts than adults, simply because they are usually more active than adults and burn through those calories far quicker. The calorie count in one cup of this food is 423, which is great for growing, lively puppies.
The protein count comes in at 36% and is sourced from chicken and chicken meal, as well as a little pea protein. 16% fat is a great number, with chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed contributing to the numbers. These are great levels for a growing, energetic puppy, and your little husky should respond very well to this food. If you have a husky puppy that is less active, you may prefer something a little lower in calories. Inactive or lethargic puppies should be checked by a vet to see if they need to be on a special diet. But for an animated, bubbly puppy who enjoys a good run and play, this food would be our puppy meal of choice.
Puppy-Specific Additions
Puppies are still developing, so they have some requirements that adult dogs don’t. The addition of certain fatty acids can help them grow and develop in the best way possible, and two of those are added to this food – DHA and ARA. The presence of these indicates a high-quality puppy food.
Other things that will benefit a growing puppy include Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, which are their special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to general health and wellbeing, and these coupled with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids mean your pup should develop in a healthy way, both physically and mentally. These little additions are beneficial for all pups, no matter their health or activity levels.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior
Best For Still-Active Husky Seniors: Great inclusions for seniors
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PROS
- Grain-free
- Good protein and carbohydrate sources
- Great inclusions for seniors (such as glucosamine and L-carnitine)
- Contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits for a healthy immune system
CONS
- May not be suitable for less active senior huskies
The reason we’ve recommended Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior for seniors that are still perky and agile is that the calorie count and protein count are both higher than usual for seniors. There’s nothing wrong with this if your older husky is still bouncy, though – they should be able to burn it off, and husky’s don’t generally grow out of their strange eating habits anyway. At 387 calories and 30% protein, your pooch will need to get a good bit of exercise to work it off.
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Senior Dogs’ Nutritional Requirements
Some seniors’ tummies start to rebel as they get older, so this food being grain-free is a bonus. One of the protein sources is chicken meal, which is high in protein and a little easier to digest than real meat, which helps for older pups’ metabolisms.
Dogs as energetic as huskies can start to suffer from health conditions related to their bones and joints as they get older, so supplements that help keep bones and joints strong are a must. Generally, older pets need fewer calories as they age, but if they’re still quite sprightly they should be able to deal with the extra calories.
Additions For Seniors
This food contains a bunch of good stuff for older pets. The ingredients are wholesome and natural, which is always good regardless of your pup’s age.
Glucosamine and chondroitin keep your old guy or girl’s joints flexible and stable, and EPA and DHA are great additions to keep your pooch’s brain as active as their body. L-carnitine is a fantastic ingredient for seniors, and assists in regulating energy levels and weight. It’s also been linked to healthy liver and brain functions.
4. American Journey Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Very affordable
PROS
- Great value for money, very affordable
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Good quality ingredients for the price
- Contains good grains (no corn, wheat, or soy)
CONS
- A little lower than others in protein and fats
- A little lower in calories than others too, but not bad at all
- Contains brewer’s rice, which is considered a low-quality filler
American Journey dry dog food is great quality for the price.
The protein and fat counts are a little lower than most on this list, and they just catch the bottom of the recommended numbers for huskies. This isn’t necessarily a problem though, especially if you supplement it with a wet food and protein-rich treats in between meals for lively pups. This food would suit less active dogs too, as the calorie count of 335 per cup is pretty average and they wouldn’t have too much protein to burn off. If you’re looking for a high-quality food that won’t set you back a chunk of your salary, give this one a try.
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More For Less
It’s rare to find a dog food that contains great ingredients at a great price. The protein sources are deboned chicken and chicken meal, which are both high-quality. If your pooch has a more sensitive stomach or reacts badly to chicken, they have a salmon flavour too. It does contain grains, but brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are gluten-free and the healthier of the grains.
Rice bran and brewer’s rice are considered to be lower quality ingredients, but for the price and the other high-quality ingredients, the addition of these isn’t too bad. Carrots and sweet potato are nice carbs that give sustained energy, and blueberries and cranberries give this food a dose of antioxidants. All in all, this is great quality for what you’ll be paying for it.
High-Quality Additions
Often, lower-priced kibbles don’t include some of the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that the more pricey ones do. This food’s guaranteed analysis reads like a high-quality label, though, so we’re perfectly happy to have it included in our picks for the best dog food for huskies. DHA and glucosamine and chondroitin are fatty acids that aren’t always found in dog foods, so it’s great to see these on this kibble.
The Omega-3 and -6 fatty acid levels are good, which will keep your pup’s coat and skin nice and sleek, and the calcium and phosphorus ratio is pretty decent. These additions take this from an okay, affordable dog food to a high-quality, recommended kibble for huskies of all ages and dispositions.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Wild Weenies
Best Treat For Huskies: Low calorie, high protein
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PROS
- High-protein, raw nutrition
- Freeze-drying preserves the nutrition naturally
- Available in beef and chicken flavours
- Great introduction to raw feeding
CONS
- Low-calorie, so you’ll need to feed your pup a few at a time to get their calorie count up
- They can be somewhat brittle (you can rehydrate them but should do so one at a time when feeding them to your pup)
Because huskies are so high-energy and burn plenty of calories, but are also fussy eaters and tend to consume fewer calories than they need, treats are a super way to get in a few extra calories and bond with your husky at the same time.
Although Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Wild Weenies are fairly low calorie (14 per treat), they’re great, raw nutrition that your husky will love. The treats are quite meaty, so they’ll give a nice protein punch, and are freeze-dried so the nutrition is locked in without the need for any artificial preservatives. These treats would be awesome for huskies of any age, size, or health, and would be a fantastic way of introducing raw feeding if you’re keen to give it a try with your husky.
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Raw Nutrition
The story behind the creation of Stella & Chewy’s speaks of the benefits of raw feeding. Although some people may be a little squeamish at the thought of feeding their pups food that contains organ meat, there’s plenty of research out there to suggest that it’s actually great for your dog’s health.
One of the biggest pros of raw food (including these treats) is that it’s usually quite limited in terms of what goes into it, so you can be sure your pet is getting a dose of pure, high-quality protein. Transitioning your pup over to a raw diet can be a bit of a shock to the system, so it’s best to ease them into it. If you’re considering it, these treats would be a great transition food. If not, they’re still really tasty and healthy and will be enjoyed.
Locally & Responsibly Sourced
While it’s all fine and well to have meat-packed treats such as these without artificial flavours and preservatives, if the meat sources aren’t great quality then it’s almost pointless feeding them to your pet. Stella & Chewy takes care to source their ingredients from reputable, responsible suppliers in the USA, and craft their products in their own USA kitchens.
You may wonder why this matters, but many treats on the market contain ingredients that come from suppliers in China or other faraway countries, which means the quality of the ingredients can be questionable. You can be sure you’re getting local, high-quality, minimally processed nutrients in these snacks.
6. Instinct Raw Boost
Best Transition To Raw Diet: Mix of kibble and raw pieces
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PROS
- Mix of kibble and raw pieces
- High calorie, high protein, and high fat
- Grain-free recipe
- Various flavours available
CONS
- A little pricey
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine
- Some dogs may dislike the raw bits
If you’ve been thinking of transitioning your pet over to a raw diet but you don’t know where to start, Instinct Raw Boost is a great bridge between kibble and raw food.
It consists of the best of both worlds – a dry kibble, and freeze-dried raw meat pieces. This is a great way to get your pet used to the taste and texture of raw before going all in. It’s high in calories so it would be great for healthy, spirited dogs. Despite the high protein and calorie count, it’s lacking glucosamine, which isn’t the end of the world, even though it’s a helpful addition.
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Benefits of Raw
The raw bits in this food are little power bites full of pure animal protein. They are minimally processed to keep all the nutritional goodness in there, and add a boost of protein and Omega fatty acids to your pup’s meal. There is plenty of research out there on the benefits of raw dieting for dogs, and this food is the ideal transition to be sure your pup gets a chance to adjust.
7. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Food
Best For Highly Active Huskies: Made up of 98% fresh meat, organs, and bone
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PROS
- Air-dried, which eliminates the need for artificial preservatives
- Crafted from pure, high-quality ingredients from New Zealand
- Made up of 98% fresh meat, organs, and bone
- New Zealand Green Mussels are a great ingredient that are a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
CONS
- Fairly pricey, although the quality is worth it
- The biggest bag you can buy is 2.2lb (4kg)
Although the calorie count of this food is fairly low (312 per scoop), the protein and fat counts are higher than average.
Even though Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Food is good enough quality to feed to your husky no matter what their age or activity level, it’s recommended that you only use it if your dog is highly energetic, as these levels are optimal for energy-burning. The ingredients are packed full of nutrients and naturally preserved, so your pooch will be getting a mouthful of pure goodness in each bite. There’s also a bit of dried kelp in there, which helps keep your husky’s thyroid healthy.
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Air-Dried Nutrition
Air-drying may take a little longer than other preservation methods, but it’s a great way to lock in the nutrients and keep all the healthiest stuff without adding anything that’s not natural. It eliminates the need to add artificial preservatives, which makes this a great, healthy option.
ZiwiPeak uses a two-stage drying process to preserve their foods and create nutrient-dense and easily digestible canine meals. The other bonus of this method is that the food can be stored for up to 21 months. There’s no need to rehydrate or prepare this food in any way, either – simply scoop and serve to your pet.
Ingredient Quality
This food is crafted in New Zealand, using responsibly sourced ingredients from ethical and sustainable suppliers. The majority of the ingredients are fresh meat, organ meat, and bones, which accounts for the high protein and fat content. Green-lipped mussel is a great addition, and is an ingredient that is native to New Zealand.
It’s a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is helpful for huskies to keep their joints strong and supple. A dash of kelp is also useful, and promotes health. You won’t find better quality ingredients than in this food.
8. Nutro Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Low Protein: For dogs on a low-protein diet
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PROS
- Limited ingredients reduce the chance of food allergies or sensitivities
- Low protein is great for dogs who may be on a prescribed low-protein diet
- High-quality, well-chosen ingredients
- Good calorie count despite low protein
CONS
- May not be suitable for dogs who are NOT on a special low-protein diet
- Not many added vitamins, minerals, and supplements (but this is in keeping with the limited ingredient philosophy)
In some cases, pups may be prescribed a particular diet by their vet that is lower in protein than average. This is more common than we realise, and is often due to kidney and liver disease.
If your husky is on a low-protein prescription diet, Nutro Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dog Food is a good one. It’s limited ingredient, which helps reduce the opportunity for food allergies to develop, and it contains 20% protein, which is less than huskies typically need while not being too low.
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Ingredient Quality
For dogs with health issues, whatever they may be, the single most important factor of their food is the quality of the ingredients. This food contains wholesome, healthy, all-natural ingredients, with no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. This goes a long way towards promoting a healthy immune system and keeping your pooch as strong as possible. There are natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, although the numbers are not high enough to feature on the guaranteed analysis list.
9. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Best West Food Topper: Doesn’t contain carrageenan
PROS
- High calorie (helpful for fussy huskies who need extra calories)
- Doesn’t contain carrageenan
- Contains chelated minerals which aid in digestion
CONS
- Some pets’ tummies may struggle to adjust to the richness of the food
It’s always a good idea to have a stash of quality dry dog food to use as a snack or a kibble topper to keep your dog’s calorie count up. Treats like Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food are easy to digest, give a little protein boost, and add a bit of different flavour and texture to your pup’s meal, which can help for those pets who might be more on the fussy side. They come in a variety of flavours too, so your pup shouldn’t get bored with these.
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Benefits Of Using Canned Food
This dog food can be added to their kibble to provide a little extra calorie boost. This recipe contains 32% protein, so if your husky doesn’t eat much of their kibble and struggles to come close to their protein requirement, adding this to one of their meals will not only be an exciting treat for them but will also almost double the meal’s protein.
10. Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen Dog Food
Best For Inactive, III, or Injured Pups: High-quality fresh food
PROS
- Human-grade, high-quality fresh food
- Single-source protein
- Various flavours available
- Very easy to prepare and serve
CONS
- Low calorie count may make this an expensive choice, as you may need to feed a couple of cups per meal
- A 6lb bag is the biggest you can purchase
There’s no denying the quality of Tylee’s Human-Grade Frozen Dog Food. It would make a great meal for both pooch and owner!
You know the ingredients are super quality if they’re suitable for humans to eat too. The calorie count is low (189 per cup, and less for other flavours), and that in conjunction with the superior quality of the ingredients, makes this a fantastic food to feed pups whose health is not the best and who are not very active. The wholesome ingredients promote health and wellness, and your pet would be getting a healthy, nutrient-rich meal without piling on calories that they can’t work off.
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Human-Grade Ingredients
I’m not sure how many of us would share our dog’s kibble, but this food looks and sounds appealing enough to be quite tempting. It looks just like a meal you might cook for your own children, and the fact that you can see the actual ingredients means that there’s not much chance of these guys hiding dodgy ingredients in there.
Perfect For Dogs In Bad Health
Although none of us like to think of our pups being in bad health, those of us who have dogs who need extra healthcare know that these pets need to keep nourished in order to heal and improve. The quality of ingredients, high digestibility and lower calorie count mean that this food is perfect for pups who can’t exercise to work off those calories.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – Calorie Count
If you’re a husky parent, you’ll know that these fluffs are generally pretty active and bouncy. They were bred as working dogs, so being active is part of their DNA. Because of this, adult huskies typically need a food that is higher in calories – that is, 350 and upwards.
Of course, this does depend on your dog. Just because most huskies are active, it doesn’t mean they all are. If your pup is a bit more of a couch potato, they would most likely get by with fewer calories. Puppies will also most likely need more calories as they’ll be slightly more active.
We’ve stuck to foods in this review that are between 350 and 450 calories per cup, with the notable exceptions of lower-calorie foods for those pups who may need it. It will be up to you to discern what would be best for your pooch
Criteria 2 – Protein Count & Quality
A protein count of between 24 and 40% is ideal for active huskies, so we’ve taken this into consideration in our reviews. Huskies thrive on a high-protein diet, so this factor is one that can make a huge difference to your pup’s health.
While the percentage of protein is important, it’s just as essential (if not more so) that that protein is coming from a high-quality, natural source. Real meat is best here, as it packs the most nutritious punch, in that it has great quality protein but also adds other nutrients. Meat meal is acceptable too, although we recommend real meat first. Meat meal contains almost 4 times more protein than real meat, but it leaves other nutrients lacking. It is easily digestible, though, so if your pup has digestive issues it may help.
Most huskies aren’t going to be doing nearly as much hard work as they were bred for, so although they need a high-protein diet, it doesn’t have to be astronomical. It depends largely on the individual. As long as the percentage of protein is between 24 and 40%, made up of high-quality, identified, animal protein, you should be good to go.
Criteria 3 – Fat Count & Quality
Although carbs have the reputation of being the biggest energy-providers, the fact is that much of the energy our pup’s use on a daily basis comes from fat being metabolized. It’s crucial, therefore, that the fat in your pet’s food is of a high quality.
Between 12 and 16% fat is a great number for huskies. Quality fat sources include fish oil (it’s always best if this has been specified, eg. salmon oil), flaxseed, canola oil, and identified animal fat. In addition to fat being used as energy, Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids also go a long way towards nourishing your dog’s coat and skin, which can also help avoid problems that huskies can be prone to involving their skin and fur.
Criteria 4 – Added Nutrients
Glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful additions, as huskies can suffer from hip and knee dysplasia. These two fatty acids help strengthen and maintain joints, making it less likely for them to dislocate. Omega fatty acids help keep your husky’s skin and fur sleek, shiny, and comfortable.
For puppies, DHA is a fantastic ingredient to see on the label, as it helps their eyes develop properly. Added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are always welcome, and help promote health. As huskies can also be prone to hypothyroidism, it could be a good idea to feed them a food containing kelp, as it contains iodine which helps to stimulate the thyroid.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
Although we’re all about making the lives of our pups easier, healthier, and more joyful, first prize is a happy pup AND a happy owner! You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good quality, healthy dog food for your husky.
Some foods will be more expensive than others, and they’re usually quite worth it. Don’t discount those that cost a little less though – often, their ingredient quality is on-par with the more pricey ones, and feeding them to your dog will have good effects on his or her health.
We’ve compared prices for easy reference, and to show that you really don’t need to be intimidated by some of the prices out there. There are plenty of super options on this list that will be great for your dog and great for your wallet too.
Questions & Answers
How much food should I feed my husky?
The answer to this question depends on two things – your husky and the food they’re eating. A typical, approximately 50-pound, active husky will consume around 1300 calories per day.
If your pup is eating a 400-calorie per cup food, they’ll need about 3 cups a day. You can adjust this up or down depending on what food you choose to feed your pet. If your husky is a fussy one and tends to leave food in his bowl, keeping a stash of high-calorie treats can help keep his calories up in-between meals.
You’ll need to do some maths to work out what exactly is right for your husky. Keep in mind that less active dogs will most likely need fewer calories, while very active pups will need more, especially if they are starting to look a little scrawny.
What kind of diet is best for huskies?
Due to their history as busy working dogs, huskies thrive off of a high-protein, high-calorie diet. Some owners prefer to feed their husky a raw diet, as their genetic make-up is quite similar to that of wolves.
It is up to you whether you feed your husky raw or not, but whatever food you choose should be made of fresh ingredients. High-quality, real meat protein sources are preferable, although meat meals (as long as they are identified) are accepted especially for dogs with more sensitive stomachs.
A high-fat diet is also a great idea for huskies, as fat converts into energy for these active pups. Fats and carbs should also come from quality sources, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and fish oils, flaxseed, or canola oil.
What is the ideal nutritional makeup of the best dog food for huskies?
Huskies typically grow to around 50 pounds, and need around 1300 calories per day. Of course, this will vary by individual but unless your pup is quite a bit overweight or underweight, or abnormally inactive, this should be close to what your pup will need.
Despite being quite high-energy pups, huskies tend to eat a bit less than other dogs of similar size and activity levels. It’s a good idea to feed them a slightly higher calorie food to make sure that they get enough nutrients in with their sporadic eating. They also need a high-protein diet (between 24 and 30%), and a fat count of 12 to 16%. Fat is converted to energy so these bouncy pups will need good quality sources, of both fat and protein.
What are the foods that huskies should avoid?
Huskies are generally pretty hardy and don’t tend to have sensitive stomachs, but there are some ingredients to avoid feeding them if you want your pooch to be as healthy as possible.
Any foods containing artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives should be avoided. Foods using low-quality “fillers”, such as corn, cereals, meat or cereal by-products, brewer’s rice, grain fermentation soluble, hulls, or rice bran are also best left alone. If you choose to feed your husky a raw diet, make sure to avoid human foods that can be harmful, such as salt, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and onions, and processed foods. You can check out a comprehensive list of foods dogs can’t eat here.
Is my husky better off with wet food or dry food?
Although wet food can add some taste (for those fussy eaters) and some extra calories, they do not contain enough protein to be the only food a husky eats.
For a husky to get enough protein in their diet, they need a dry food. Canned foods contain less than 10% protein, while dry foods have anything from 20 to 40%. Wet food is great if your husky struggles to hit their calorie count or gets bored easily with what they eat. You can add a bit to their dry kibble meal, or give them a separate meal of only wet food. Make sure not to give them too much of it, though. It should be used as an addition to a great quality dry kibble.
What are the health concerns I should be aware of with huskies?
Although they are generally quite healthy, huskies are prone to certain conditions.
Those characteristic husky eyes can develop issues if they aren’t well taken care of. The most common eye problems include cataracts, corneal dystrophy (which is a hereditary condition), and progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degeneration of the retina.
Huskies’ bodies tend to have problems absorbing zinc, which can lead to skin and coat problems. One of the more common ones is called zinc-responsive dermatosis, which can cause hair loss, dry skin, and general discomfort. Similar to this condition is something called follicular dysplasia, which affects husky puppies of 3 to 4 months old.
Other common health issues that husky owners need to be aware of are hypothyroidism, lactose intolerance, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
