Best Dog Food For Huskies: A Complete Pet Parent Guide

Best dog food for huskies a complete pet parent guide (1)

The Best Dog For Husky Puppies, Adults, and Seniors

Table of Contents

So, what is the best dog food for huskies? What about the best dog food for a Husky mix? It can be difficult because Siberian Huskies to Alaskan Huskies; no matter what Husky mix they are, one thing is certain, this is a very sturdy dog, bred to brave the cold and to work harder than many other dogs. Because of that, dog owners should understand that Siberian Husky dog food should be specialized to support their active life.

Huskies are professional athletes in the dog world. They are medium-sized, handsome canines that have the fluffiest coat. These hairy pups have an excellent sense of humor, and they’ll make your life the most amusing roller coaster so what are some good husky dog food brands in the marketplace?

What Makes The Best Dog Food for Huskies?

Siberian Huskies are born to live in packs, which makes them perfect family dogs. That’s also one of the reasons they are not aggressive canines, as they thrive on company. If you want to own a pet that will share your passion for exercise and the outdoors, Husky is the right choice for you. They are also not overly suspicious of other dogs and don’t demonstrate lots of jealousy.

Pet owners need to feed their huskies with raw food, kibble, home-cooked food, or make combinations. Whatever you choose, make sure you find the top-quality and well-balanced diet for your pooch. Huskies are unique dogs who have specific dietary needs, and it’s important to find husky dog food brands that are specially made for your dog breed.

The History Of the Husky Dog Breed

The Husky hails from Siberia, so these sweethearts were bred in harsh weather conditions. They are an active dog breed that the Chukchi tribe developed. The original breed evolved throughout the years to finally become the Huskies we love so much today. This tribe lived inland, but they needed to go to the sea to find food.

That’s when our marathon runners swooped in. At first, this wolf-like breed was used for hunting. They are one one of the more active husky in existence today. As time passed by, they quit that job and moved on to pulling sleds. They had to be able to cover great distances in order to bring food for their tribe.

People usually assume that Huskies need lots of food because they are known as working dogs. This is not entirely true. They were bred in places with scarce food, so they eat less food than other dog breeds. Their eating habits are different from other breeds, which is why we’re here to dive into the dog’s diet, what is needed, and what you can do without when it comes to feeding the best food for huskies.

How We Evaluate the Best Husky Dog Food Brands

Our task is to present you with verified information on all you need to know about the nutrition of your beloved Husky.  Not only did we investigate food brands, but we also explored specific food products to find the most suitable ones for each requirement your dog has. To present to you the best food products on the market, we approached the topic from different sides.

First, our team did online research to find the questions that dog parents tend to ask the most. We wanted to have an insight into all specific situations and health conditions so that our research is well-rounded.

We discussed Husky dietary requirements with veterinarians who have many years of experience. Their clients were many gorgeous Huskies who have grown strong and healthy, with an adequate nutrition plan. One of the crucial things we found out from them is that each Husky requires a specific diet, based on their

  • Age
  • Health condition
  • Daily habits

We also consulted our beloved dog lovers’ community. Apart from receiving adorable Husky photos, we also gathered lots of useful information on different products in the market. They gave lots of valuable information for the new or future Husky owners.

And don’t forget, dog food manufacturers don’t sponsor us. Everything that you read in our articles comes from our pure desire to help you and your hairy buddy enjoy each day without a care in the world.

How We Chose Our Top Husky Dog Food

We stuck to strict and objective standards while making up the list of best food products for a Husky. It was important for us to check each ingredient and make sure of its quality. According to our criteria, the products must:

  1. Have a meat source named and listed as the number one ingredient
  2. Contain low presence of meat, or vegetable by-products, as well as grain
  3. Meet the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)

What Do We Mean By The Best Dog Food for Huskies?

To have well-rounded nutrition, your Husky should get nutrients from different sources. Your furry companion needs to get proteins from high-quality ingredients. That’s why it’s highly important to look for real meat on the back of the product. Four essential factors affect well-balanced nutrition, and those factors are:

  1. Vitamins. Your pooch needs one percent of vitamins in their food to keep their eyesight for as long as possible.
  2. Carbohydrates. Carbs keep your dog’s colon healthy and ease digestion.
  3. Minerals. Up to four percent of minerals will maintain Husky’s joints strong.
  4. Fat. Fat contributes to the immune system. Be careful—for pups who are not active enough, fat can lead to severe problems with obesity.
  5. Vegetables and fruits. They are high in fiber and low in calories, which translates into a delightful, healthy snack for your buddy.

What Makes A Balanced Diet for Siberian Huskies?

Huskies’ bodies require high-quality food rich in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. Sources for these nutrients shouldn’t come from wheat, soy, or corn. Like all athletes, Huskies are concerned about their weight. They will usually eat until they feel full but will be careful not to feel ill. However, if you offer them food continuously, they’ll eat out of courtesy.

Giving them high-quality food is vital in their first year of life. Responsible dog owners must find the food that will meet all their nutritional needs.

With Huskies, you must follow their feeding schedule. The amount of food they get per meal will depend a lot on their activity level. So, if they exercise a lot, feeding schedules should be made accordingly. Couch potatoes should not eat as often as active Huskies.

Nutritious Dog Food With High Animal Protein Is Needed for Coat Health

Giving your Husky high-quality food will work miracles for their healthy skin and coat. Husky owners must establish their dog’s protein intake. For inactive huskies, 20% of protein meets all their diet needs. Active and working Huskies should get around 33% of protein. Just remember, although they can control themselves while eating, feeding your dog beyond their requirements will lead to obesity. 

What Is The Feeding Schedule For Husky Puppies?

The feeding schedule also depends on the age of your hairy pal. Puppy Husky should get small but frequent portions. The number of meals per day reduces as they grow older. In our table below, you’ll find how often dogs should eat.

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

This table represents a universal rule for all breeds. Keep in mind, though, that every dog is an individual and has specific needs. 

This table represents a universal rule for all breeds. Keep in mind, though, that every dog is an individual and has specific needs. Additionally, adult food should be fed to adult huskies versus puppy food or dog food for senior dogs. Not to worry, we’ll dive into that section in our assessment below.

Best Dog Foods for Huskies

Before you snatch the food from the dog food aisle and shake it in front of your husky, make sure you opted for the right one. Despite what big-brand dog food companies say, always look at the ingredients list before opting for a certain product.

Regardless of their claims that their brand carries high-quality dog food, or that they are the most nutritious dog food – don’t be fooled. The first five ingredients are the ones that weigh the most, so the first few items on the list should be named meat sources.

Dogs of all ages need complete nutrition that includes wholesome ingredients you can understand without having to search the internet. From omega fatty acids to whole grain brown rice to beef liver to chicken meal, it’s imperative that these ingredients make sense to you.

Many times, a dog food brand will boldly state they are one of several popular dog foods that contain turkey meal or salmon oil or lamb meal, but what does that really mean? We’re here to cut the fat and find the best dog food for huskies, and we won’t lie about the results.

One important thing to remember is if you are looking for new dog food for your husky puppy, keep in mind that their needs will be different than the needs of adults Siberian huskies, Alaskan huskies, and in general, any adult dog.

They will need food that promotes a healthy immune system The same goes for aging dogs who need a little bit more to ensure joint health, a shiny coat, and overall complete nutrition for their older age. With that in mind, here are our favorite brands of dog food for Huskies.

Alpha Paw Picks Brand Rating
Best overall Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food 4.9
Runner-up ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food 4.8
Best for senior dogs Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 4.7
Best for puppies Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food 4.7
Best for sensitive tummy Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes 4.6

Top Five Best Dog Food for Huskies

Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food

Best dog food for huskies: a complete pet parent guide

Source: Nutro max dog food

Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food is a formula made to meet the diet needs of large adult canines. It doesn’t contain artificial

  • Flavors
  • Colors
  • Preservatives

Dog Owners Love Nutro Brand Because of the Natural Ingredients

Nutro is a popular brand in the dog world, known for its natural ingredients, among which you won’t find any by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy protein. Vitamin and minerals promote your pooch’s immune system. Real chicken provides your pup with amino acids that are beneficial for their skin and coat.

Guaranteed Analysis Nutro max dog food

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 22.0% min
Crude Fat 13.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.5 % max
Moisture 10.0% max
Glucosamine 100 mg/kg min
Chondroitin sulfate 350 mg/kg min

Nutro max dog food Ingredients Breakdown

Chicken Meal (Source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal,Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols),Choline Chloride, Chicken, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Whole Brown Rice, Peas, Chickpeas, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food

Best dog food for huskies: a complete pet parent guide

Source: Orijen dog food

ORIJEN High-Protein, Grain-Free, Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food is a product that contains protein from a range of high-quality meats. You can see that, in the first three ingredients, we have chicken, turkey, and herring. The fish provides your Husky’s body with enough amino acids for their beautiful fluffy coat. Amino acids are also beneficial in case your dog has dry skin!

This Dog Food Is Very Good For Highly Active Husky Dog Breeds

This formula is made for a highly active Husky, as it contains lots of fat. It is also rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are there to protect and keep your dog’s joints healthy. The product is expensive, but if you can afford it, it would be great nutrition for your Husky!

Guaranteed Analysis for Orijen dog food

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 36.0% min
Crude Fat 35.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0 % max
Moisture 4.0% max
Calcium 1.6% min
Phosphorus 1.3% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* 5.5% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* 1.0% min
DHA 0.2% min
EPA 0.2% min
Glucosamine 800 mg/kg min
Chondroitin 800 mg/kg min

Orijen dog food Ingredients Breakdown

Fresh Chicken (ground with bone) (50%), Fresh turkey (ground with bone) (16%), Fresh whole herring (10%), Fresh chicken liver (4%), Fresh chicken heart (3%), Fresh whole eggs (3%), spinach greens, pea fibre, Fresh turkey liver (2%), Fresh whole flounder (1%), peppermint leaf, ginger root, Fresh turkey heart (1%), ground whole sunflower seeds, Red delicious apples, Bartlett pears, whole cranberries, whole blackberries, Red heart plums, Tilton apricots, red beets, whole pumpkin, Butternut squash, Imperator carrots, whole blueberries, brown kelp, chicory root, dandelion root, summer savory.

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best dog food for huskies: a complete pet parent guide

Source: Taste of the wild

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a product that draws most of its proteins from fish. The first five ingredients contain

  1. Salmon
  2. Ocean fish meal
  3. Sweet potatoes
  4. Potatoes
  5. Peas

One of the Best Dog Foods For Senior Dogs

These dog food ingredients are easy to digest, and the smoked salmon will meet your Husky’s inner-wolf requirements. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids promote your doggo’s skin and coat. This formula is an excellent choice for senior Huskies as it doesn’t contain too much fat.

As they get older, Huskies are less active, which means that you need to look for products lower in fat. These high-quality ingredients make for complete nutrition that your dogs will love, and it will keep your dog healthy as they age.

Guaranteed Analysis for Taste of the wild

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 25.0% min
Crude Fat 15.0% min
Crude Fiber 3.0 % max
Moisture 10.0% max
Zinc 150 mg/kg min
Selenium (Se) 0.35 mg/kg min
Vitamin E 150 IU/kg min
Taurine 0.12% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* 2.4% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* 0.3% min
Total Microorganisms Not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb min

Taste of the wild Ingredients Breakdown


Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), lentils, vitamin E supplement, salmon meal, smoked salmon, potato fiber, copper proteinate, natural flavor, salt, thiamine mononitrate, choline chloride, taurine, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D supplement, folic acid, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

Best dog food for huskies: a complete pet parent guide

Source: Blue wilderness

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food formula is made to meet all your puppy’s diet needs. High-quality protein comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal, which are the first two ingredients on the list. Puppies require higher-protein foods as their bodies are developing. This formula contains 36% of protein, which is great for a growing and active pup. 

The Best Dog Food For Husky Puppies

It is also fortified with vitamins and minerals that boost its immune system. Calcium and phosphorus prevent any future joint issues. Omega fatty acids and 6 fatty acids maintain Husky’s shiny coat. It is tailored for puppies as its kibble is small-sized and easy to chew.

Guaranteed Analysis for Blue wilderness

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 36.0% min
Crude Fat 16.0% min
Crude Fiber 5.0 % max
Moisture 10% max
DHA 0.15% min
Calcium 1.2% min
Phosphorus 1.0% min
Choline 2,750 mg/kg min
Ara 0.05% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* 3.0% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* 0.9% min

Blue wilderness Ingredients Breakdown


Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of ARA-Arachidonic Acid and DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid), Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Cranberries, Salt, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Calcium Iodate, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes

Best dog food for huskies: a complete pet parent guide

Source: Hill’s pet nutrition

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes maintains digestive health and protects your Husky from gastrointestinal issues. This adult dog food formula contains lots of natural ingredients. It doesn’t consist of any

  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial flavors
  • Preservatives

The Best Dog Food To Support Active Huskies

Its minerals and vitamins promote your dog’s health and support its active lifestyle. This formula also contains real chicken, which gives your sweetheart lots of high-quality protein. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and D. Apart from high-quality meat and protein, we looked for products that contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 acids, because we know how much Huskies pride themselves on their coat.

Guaranteed Analysis for Hill’s pet nutrition

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 25.9% min
Crude Fat 16.0% min
Carbohydrate / NFE 51.5% max
Crude Fiber 1.3% max
Calcium 0.95% min
Phosphorous 0.77% min
Potassium 0.74% min
Sodium 0.28% min
Magnesium 0.098% min
Vitamin C 242 ppm
Vitamin E 800 IU/kg
Total Omega-3 FA 0.51
Total Omega-6 FA 4.71

Hill’s pet nutrition Ingredients Breakdown


Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Soybean Oil, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Pork Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Flaxseed, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli.

Generally Speaking, Here’s What To Look For In Dog Food For Huskies

Your Husky can be picky with food, but as a dog owner, you need to have patience with them. Having dog food for huskies that contains natural ingredients doesn’t mean bad-tasting food. High-quality dog food also does not have to be expensive. Active dog breeds like huskies need dog food (dry dog food or wet dog food) that contains a good amount of healthy fats, and real meats. The dog food should be grain-free and has no artificial flavors.

Be Mindful About The Amount of Dog Food You Feed Your Huskies

In case your dog suffers from digestive system problems, always look for food for sensitive tummies.  You also need to be careful with the amount of food your Husky gets daily. Overweight Huskies have a shorter life span and are prone to obesity and diseases.

This breed doesn’t need lots of food. Their metabolism is high and small portions of high-quality, nutritious food will meet all their needs. 

If you want to search for some other high-quality products for your Husky, try your luck with the best large breed dry dog food. If you’re searching for canned food, we suggest taking a peek at the best-canned dog food on the market.

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husky
  2. Santarossa, Amanda, et al. “Body Composition of Medium to Giant Breed Dogs with or without Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease.” Veterinary Surgery, 2020, doi:10.1111/vsu.13434.
  3. Siberian Husky Coloring Book: Stress-Relief Coloring Book … www.amazon.com/Siberian-husky-coloring-book-Stress-relief/dp/1981503099.