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With their thick coats, fluffy tails, and bold black-and-white coloration, Huskies are a sight to behold. These dogs are incredibly friendly, but they do have destructive tendencies and high exercise requirements that make them a challenge for inexperienced pet parents. A healthy diet is a critical part of raising a well-adjusted high-energy pup—which is why we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best dog food for Huskies.
Your Dog’s Basic Nutritional Needs
Huskies are known for their wild appearance and endless energy. These qualities are in large part inherited from their ancient ancestors, wolves.
Though domestic dogs like Huskies are a far cry from their wild ancestors, their basic nutritional needs are still quite similar. Dogs aren’t true obligate carnivores like cats, but they still do best on a meat-based diet with limited carbohydrate content. Commercial kibble and canned food will both fit the bill, but it’s important to pay close attention to nutrient levels to make a smart choice.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has determined the minimum requirements for key nutrients in dogs: a minimum of 22% protein for canine growth and reproduction (puppies and lactating females) and an 18% minimum for adult dogs. For fat, these numbers are 8% and 5%, respectively.
To meet these requirements, feed your Husky a high-quality dog food made with real, whole-food sources of these nutrients. Animal protein like meat or poultry should be the focus, with higher-than-average fat to meet your Husky’s calorie requirements. The carbohydrate content of your dog’s diet should be limited.
Remember that AAFCO standards exist to encourage commercial pet food products to adhere to minimum nutritional requirements. You’ll probably agree, however, that your Husky deserves more than the bare minimum. Checking for an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label is a good way to weed out the really bad dog foods, but the statement itself isn’t a wholesale guarantee of quality.
The truth about dog food is that there’s no shortcut for taking a hard look at the label. The best way to make sure the food you’re considering is of high quality is to pick foods that list animal proteins as their first few ingredients, have a minimum of grain and meal fillers, and avoid artificial flavorings.
tranmautritam / Pixabay
Breed-Specific Nutrition for Huskies
All dog breeds have the same basic nutritional requirements, but there are a few breed-specific factors worth considering.
For example, Huskies are prone to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce adequate levels of thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates your dog’s metabolism, so dogs with hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating less. Dogs with hypothyroidism don’t always need a special diet, but unexplained weight gain is cause for concern and a visit to your vet.
Something else to consider is that the Husky was developed as a working breed. Sled dogs like Huskies can burn up to 10,000 calories a day while working, but the chances are your Husky isn’t getting anywhere near that kind of exercise. If your dog is highly active or you’re training him for dog sports, you may need to increase his food intake by 10% for every hour of hard work, but it’s not something you need to be overly concerned about unless your dog starts to lose weight.
You don’t have to be too concerned about scheduled feedings to prevent overeating, either. Huskies are extremely efficient at burning calories and tend to only eat until they’re full—so free feeding is an option.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Huskies
When shopping for your Husky, you might be considering a large-breed dog food. Though some Huskies grow up to 60 pounds, many don’t exceed 50 pounds, which is generally the point at which a dog is considered a large breed.
High-quality commercial dog food made with wholesome ingredients is the best choice for your Husky. Follow the feeding recommendations on the package according to your pup’s age and weight, but monitor body condition. If your dog starts to gain too much weight, you may need to switch from free-feeding to scheduled meals. If your pup loses weight, it’s worth considering a switch to a higher-calorie recipe.
Here are some general things to look for in a dog food for Huskies:
- High-quality animal protein as the first ingredient (meat, poultry, or fish)
- Two sources of animal protein within the first three ingredients
- Moderate fat content (healthy animal sources like chicken fat or fish oil)
- Limited digestible carbohydrate content (like whole grains and low-starch veggies)
- No artificial additives like synthetic dyes, flavorings, or preservatives
The higher the quality of your Husky’s food, the more efficiently his body will be able to digest it and absorb the nutrients. Avoid recipes that contain a long list of synthetic nutrients—this is usually an indication that the ingredients themselves are low in nutrients or that there has been significant nutrient loss during processing.
Mary Swift via iStock
The Best Dog Foods for Huskies
Despite being known for their high energy levels, Huskies don’t tend to eat as much as other breeds because their bodies are so good at burning calories. That being said, the quality of your dog’s diet is all the more important. Here are our top picks for healthy, nutritious dog food for Huskies.
Orijen Puppy Recipe Dry Food
Featuring 85% animal ingredients, this protein-packed puppy food incorporates meat, organs, cartilage, and bone for a carnivore-friendly feast.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoInstinct Puppy Grain-Free Chicken Canned Food
This high-protein recipe is perfect for growing Husky puppies, made with real chicken as the first ingredient and supplemented with beef liver and fresh salmon.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoNulo Freestyle Salmon Puppy & Adult Dry Food
Skip the transition from puppy to adult food with this versatile recipe. It contains a limited number of ingredients and a single source of animal protein to optimize digestion and maximize nutrition.
Shop on Amazon Shop on ChewyAmerican Journey Stews Chicken & Vegetables Recipe in Gravy
Packed with protein from fresh chicken and chicken liver, this canned food is cooked in a flavorful gravy. It also comes in a beef flavor if your Husky prefers red meat.
Shop on ChewyAcana Regionals Wild Atlantic Recipe Grain-Free Dry Food
Made in Kentucky with whole, wild-caught New England fish and regionally-sourced produce such as peas, pumpkin, and squash, this high-quality dog food includes plenty of protein and whole food ingredients.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoNature’s Logic Lamb Feast All Life Stages Canned Food
When it comes to a healthy dog food for Huskies, this 100% natural canned food recipe is a great choice. It features fresh lamb as the primary ingredient and utilizes dried fruits and vegetables for key nutrients, negating the need for synthetic supplements.
Shop on ChewyCanidae PURE Senior Real Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe
Formulated for the unique nutritional needs of senior dogs, this recipe contains just nine simple ingredients which makes it easier and more efficient for your Husky to digest.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoWellness Complete Health Senior Dry Dog Food
This recipe is designed to deliver complete nutrition to your senior Husky in support of three key aspects of health and wellness: digestive health, skin and coat health, and hip and joint health. It includes ingredients such as flaxseed, glucosamine, and chondroitin, plus whole grains for healthy fiber.
Shop on Amazon Shop on Chewy Shop on PetcoFurther Reading
Huskies are curious, energetic, and hard-working dogs. These same qualities that make them so lovable also make them a challenge and a handful at times. As with all things in life, being a Husky parent is a balancing act, but choosing a healthy dog food for Huskies can help you enjoy as much time with your pup as possible.
If you’re thinking about bringing a Husky into your home, check out our breed spotlight and our guide to Husky puppies to learn everything you need to know before deciding.
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