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Are you tired of playing the never-ending game of “Guess What My Picky Husky Will Eat Today?” We’ve all been there, desperately trying to find the perfect dog food brand that satisfies our discerning furry friends.
In this article, we’ll share options for the best dog food for picky huskies that will win the approval of even the fussiest huskies. From tantalizing tastes to wag-worthy ingredients, we’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of dog food brands!
Best Dog Foods for Picky Huskies
#1 Best Dog Food for Picky Huskies
👉 Ollie
Ollie, a fresh dog food company, stands out as one of the best options for picky eaters. Firstly, Ollie prides itself on using high-quality ingredients that are human-grade and thoughtfully sourced. By focusing on real meat, vegetables, and fruits, they provide nutritionally balanced meals that can be particularly appealing to picky eaters who may prefer the taste and texture of fresh ingredients over processed alternatives.
Freshness and taste are also paramount to Ollie’s offerings. Their meals are freshly made in small batches and delivered straight to your doorstep. By avoiding extensive processing, Ollie retains the natural flavors and nutritional value of their ingredients. This freshness can be particularly enticing for picky eaters who may be more inclined towards appetizing, fresh meals.
Additionally, Ollie offers a wide variety of recipes and encourages meal rotation. This approach prevents dogs from getting bored with their food and increases the likelihood that picky eaters will consistently enjoy their meals. The ability to rotate flavors also allows for customization to cater to specific taste preferences and address any potential allergies or sensitivities.
Learn more in our Ollie dog food review.
✅ Pros:
- Healthy wholefood ingredients
- High protein content
- Convenient subscription and delivery
❌ Cons:
- Pricey
Whole food ingredients, slow-cooked for nutrition and flavor and frozen for freshness.
- Wholefood ingredients
- Freshly cooked
- No preservatives
- No harmful fillers
#2 Best Dog Food for Picky Huskies
👉 Nom Nom
Nom Nom, a fresh dog food delivery company, is widely regarded as one of the best options available for those seeking high-quality, fresh, nutritious meals for their canine companions. One of the key reasons for their reputation is their unwavering commitment to using top-notch ingredients.
Nom Nom exclusively utilizes premium ingredients in their recipes, ensuring that dogs receive the same level of quality and freshness as their human counterparts. They offer personalized meal plans tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog. Factors such as age, weight, breed, and activity level are taken into account to create meals that align with the dog’s unique dietary requirements.
✅ Pros:
- High-quality, premium ingredients
- High protein content
- Easily digestible ingredients
❌ Cons:
- Expensive
Nutrient-packed recipes created by Veterinary Nutritionists.
- Real & Wholesome Ingredients
- Quality Proteins and Vegetables
- Formulated by Veterinary Nutritionists
Best Wet Dog Food for Picky Huskies
👉 American Journey Canned Dog Food
American Journey’s line of canned dog food is a great option for picky eaters. I like that it contains zinc amino acid chelate, one of the most easily digestible forms of zinc. I also love that it contains many various nutritious foods like blueberries, carrots, and peas. And I love that it contains healthy carbohydrates like brown rice, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and barley.
✅ Pros:
- Contains zinc amino acid chelate
- Contains healthy grains, fruits, and vegetables
❌ Cons:
- Pricey
- Wet consistency that some dogs may not love
Best Dry Dog Food for Picky Huskies
👉 ACANA Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
I really like ACANA’s dry dog food. It is full of wholesome ingredients like duck, oats, pumpkin, fish oil, and even kelp. I especially like that they include zinc proteinate in their recipes as it is a highly digestible form of zinc, which is really important for huskies to have. It has a crude protein content of 27% and crude fat content of 17%, which is great for active dogs like huskies.
✅ Pros:
- Convenient
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients
- High protein and moderately high-fat content
❌ Cons:
- Pricey
Best Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Picky Huskies
👉 Primal Raw Pronto Freeze-Dried Dog Food
This freeze-dried dog food from Primal Raw is really an amazing option. Oftentimes we think of freeze-dried food as a treat, but this option is nutritionally complete and balanced, meaning it meets all of a husky’s daily nutritional requirements.
Moreover, it’s a really convenient option while still allowing your dog all the benefits of fresh food. You don’t even have to refrigerate or freeze the food. All you have to do is mix it with some water to rehydrate it and serve it up to your pup! Chances are, your husky will really love the taste and texture.
I also love that this food contains awesome ingredients like lamb, lamb liver, carrots, squash kale, apples, pumpkin seeds, kelp, and blueberries, just to name a few! And it also contains cod liver oil as well as fish oil which are both known to be especially beneficial to a husky’s skin and coat.
Additionally, it contains 27% crude protein, which is a very good amount for huskies. And it has a 7% crude fiber content which is quite a bit higher than many other dry kibble brands. If your dog is having loose stools, this might be a great option to help get some bulk!
✅ Pros:
- High fiber content
- Wholesome ingredients
- Convenient
❌ Cons:
- Pricey
Guide to Buying The Best Dog Food For a Picky Husky
How to choose a quality dog food
When looking for the best dog food for huskies, there are several important factors to consider. Start by carefully reading the ingredients list. Look for dog foods that contain whole food ingredients, such as real meat, as the primary protein source.
Make sure that the dog food meets the AAFCO requirements. The minimum for growth is 22.5% and 18% for maintenance. Huskies are very active though, so aim for a minimum of 25-30% protein content, and ensure that the protein source is clearly specified, such as chicken or beef, rather than generic terms like “meat.”
It’s best to choose dog food with identifiable and minimally processed ingredients. While carbohydrates can provide energy, excessive amounts or low-quality sources may not be beneficial for dogs. Opt for dog foods that avoid fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, which can potentially cause allergies or digestive issues. Instead, choose dog foods with whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal.
Why choosing quality dog food is important
High-quality dog foods are formulated to provide balanced and complete nutrition, containing the right combination of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that dogs need to thrive. Meeting nutritional requirements for huskies promotes optimal health and overall well-being in your pet.
A nutritious diet also contributes to your dog’s vitality and overall health. High-quality dog foods often use premium ingredients that are more digestible and bioavailable, meaning they can be better utilized by your dog’s body. This leads to healthier skin and coat, improved digestion, better immune function, and increased energy levels.
Types of dog food to try
Wet/canned dog food
Wet dog food, also known as canned dog food, contains a high moisture content and typically comes in cans or pouches. Wet dog food has a soft and moist texture, making it palatable for dogs with dental issues or those who prefer softer foods. Wet dog food often has a stronger aroma compared to other types, which can be enticing for picky eaters.
Dry dog food
Dry dog food is by far one of the most common options for dog food. It has a crunchy texture, which can help promote dental health by reducing tartar buildup as dogs chew.
Fresh dog food
Fresh dog food refers to minimally processed, human-grade food that is typically cooked and made with high-quality ingredients. Fresh dog food can be homemade using specific recipes or purchased commercially from companies that specialize in fresh, ready-to-serve meals. Fresh dog food often includes whole foods like meat, vegetables, fruits, and grains. It aims to provide a balanced diet with natural, recognizable ingredients.
Freeze-dried dog food
Freeze-dried dog food usually comes in the form of small, lightweight pellets or cubes that can be rehydrated with water before serving.
Freeze drying helps retain the nutritional value of the ingredients while removing moisture, making it a minimally processed option.
Raw dog food
Raw dog food consists of uncooked or minimally processed ingredients. Raw dog food primarily includes raw meat, bones, organs, and sometimes vegetables or fruits. It aims to mimic the diet of a dog’s wild ancestors.
Advocates of raw dog food believe that it provides a more natural and species-appropriate diet, potentially offering benefits like improved coat condition, dental health, and digestion.
Some companies offer commercially prepared raw dog food, which may come in pre-portioned or freeze-dried forms, aiming to minimize the risks associated with handling raw ingredients.
Further reading: Can huskies eat raw meat?
Transitioning your dog’s diet
The most important thing to note here is that you’ll want to go slow. For any dog, it is important to transition over to a new diet slowly, but this is especially true for picky eaters. You’ll want to introduce the new food quite gradually. Abruptly changing your husky’s diet can lead to digestive upset.
Start by mixing a small amount of the new dog food with your dog’s current food.
You may want to start by only introducing about 10% of new dog food to your dog’s current food on the first day. From there, you can gradually increase it. You could also begin with a ratio of 25% new food and 75% old food during the first few days. However, if you do increase the amount of the new food, it will be important to closely monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset.
Signs of digestive upset
As mentioned, you’ll want to take note of any changes in your husky’s appetite, energy levels, and stool consistency. Signs to look out for include:
- Constipation
- Loose stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excess gas
- Overall lack of energy
All of these are indicators that your dog may be experiencing some digestive symptoms, and it may be best to slow down or even pause the transition process. Keep the food ratio the same but give your dog’s system time to adjust and reset before increasing the amount of new food.
Once they are back to normal, you can resume the process and start introducing more of the new food and taking away some of the old food.
Foods to avoid
Having mentioned signs of digestive upset, let’s also take a look at some of the food that is best to avoid. While there are many great options for dog food that exists, unfortunately, many still exist that simply are just not healthy or nutritious options for dogs.
There are a few things you can look for when it comes to dog food that can be clear indicators of bad dog food. For example, one of the main indicators is an ingredient list that is full of unnecessary filler ingredients.
For example, far too many dog food companies use inexpensive fillers, like corn, wheat, or soy, as their primary ingredients in order to cut down on the expenses of making dog food. Not only are these ingredients common allergens for many dogs, but they also offer very little to no nutritional value at all.
Moreover, one of the biggest red flags, in my opinion, is when companies don’t list what kind of meat they use in their products. Instead of listing beef, chicken, or bison, for example, they’ll list something like “meat and meat-by products.” This lack of transparency seems suspicious to me and makes me wonder what they are actually putting in their dog foods.
Our Recommendation
We believe Ollie is the best dog food for picky huskies.
Take the Ollie quiz here and get started on a healthy and happy diet for your Husky.
Finding the best dog food for picky huskies can be challenging, but with patience and experimentation, you can discover the right options. Prioritize quality ingredients and consult with a veterinarian for personalized guidance. With persistence, you can find a diet that satisfies even the most selective husky.
What foods have you tried feeding your picky husky?
Share your experience in the comments below.
Further reading:
- Best dog food for huskies with sensitive stomach
- Best dog food for huskies with zinc deficiency
- Best dog food for husky puppies
- Best dog food for senior huskies
- Best dog food for huskies to gain weight
- Best dog bowls for huskies
FAQ
What do you feed a picky husky?
Feeding a picky husky can be a bit challenging, as they are known to have strong preferences and may be selective about their food. However, there are a few strategies you can try to encourage a picky husky to eat. Offer a variety of flavors and textures to entice your husky’s interest. Rotate between different brands or flavors of dog food to provide some novelty and prevent boredom.
Additionally, it is always best to provide your husky with high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements. Look for a brand that uses real meat as the main ingredient and avoids fillers or artificial additives.
Are huskies normally picky eaters?
While every dog is different, it does often seem like many huskies have a strong tendency to be picky eaters. Some Huskies may have specific dietary preferences or may take longer to adjust to new foods.
How do I get my husky to stop being picky with food?
Ensure you are providing your husky with high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements. Look for a brand that uses real meat as the main ingredient and avoids fillers or artificial additives. Huskies are smart dogs and likely can discern between good and bad food!
In addition to this, you could try doing things like soaking your dog’s food in water or even chicken broth to make it more appetizing. You could also try mixing in some fresh food, like plain cooked chicken breast in with your dog’s food to help entice your pup to eat!
