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Providing our fluffy huskies with optimal nutrition is a top priority for every pet parent. As awareness grows about the benefits of a raw diet for dogs, more and more pet owners are turning to raw dog food as a wholesome and natural option.
Raw dog food aims to mimic the diet of a dog’s ancestors, consisting of fresh, unprocessed ingredients that provide a range of nutrients essential for their overall health and well-being. Raw dog food offers a natural and balanced approach to nourishing your husky and provides them with the nutrients they require for optimal health and energy levels.
In this article, we will investigate the world of raw dog food and present you with a selection of the best raw dog food for huskies. By understanding the specific benefits and top brands suitable for huskies, you can ensure your beloved companion will thrive on a diet supporting their unique physiology.
#1 Best Raw Dog Food for Huskies
👉 We Feed Raw
We Feed Raw is a raw dog food delivery company designed to be complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages. It is not necessary to add anything to the food as all the work is already done for you. However, there is no harm in adding a tiny amount of your preferred probiotic, prebiotic, fish oil, or omega-3 oil to address any of your dog’s particular needs. You could also consider adding fresh whole foods like canned pumpkin, pureed greens, or even phytoplankton.
We Feed Raw is made up of meaty meat (muscle meat and associated connective tissue and fat), organ meat, and bone. There are no fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. They also incorporate a high-quality vitamin and mineral premix for an added boost of nutrition. Their food meets the standards set forth by the AAFCO. We Feed Raw’s primary protein sources include chicken, turkey, duck, venison, lamb, and beef.
This company also fully supports the idea that some raw is better than none. You can mix the meal plans with any other type of food–just tell them what you are already feeding your dog, and they’ll adjust the quantities. Furthermore, this food is convenient as it stays good in your refrigerator for up to 4 days and in your freezer (sealed in its original packaging) for up to 1 year.
Pros:
Complete and balanced recipes
Create your own meal plan easily by filling out a simple questionnaire
Meets AAFCO standards
Numerous protein sources
Cons:
Expensive
The healthiest way to feed your pet.
And the easiest way to do it.
- Complete & balanced raw meals
- PhD Nutritionist formulated
- USDA human-grade meats
- FREE cold-shipping nationwide
#2 Best Raw Dog Food for Huskies
👉 Raw Food and Co
Raw Food and Co is another great raw dog food delivery company.
This company offers a huge variety of food, and you can pick exactly what you want for your dog. This is quite different from some of the other raw feeding companies out there, where you fill out a survey, and they tell you what your dog needs. This unstructured way can be a bit more labor-intensive in the beginning and can certainly be overwhelming. However, as mentioned, you can guarantee your dog will never get bored as there are so many options! Just a few examples include bison heart slices, bison knuckles, chicken breast chunks, and even duck feet. 🤤 They also have mixes that meet the PMR or Prey Model Raw diet, like the chicken tripe complete mix or the beef with tripe PMR.
Thankfully, they also offer many great resources for those who are new to raw feeding to help get people started. They have helpful articles, as well as feeding charts and a feeding calculator that help you determine the exact amount of food your dog needs. Moreover, they also have a nutritionist that you can book an appointment with to help you build a meal plan for your dog’s specific needs.
Also, much like We Feed Raw, this company uses a similar cold-pressure process to deactivate and neutralize pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. No heat is used to avoid nutritional loss.
Pros:
Has a feeding calculator to help you determine how much food your dog needs
Numerous resources to answer any questions you may have about raw feeding
Also, an “issues and solutions” section covers topics like a dog refusing to eat, throwing up, etc.
Numerous food options
Cons:
Requires a bit of extra leg work to determine what to buy and what to feed your dog
Friends don't let friends feed kibble.
- Family Owned
- Vet Recommended
- Pet Approved
Guide to Buying Raw Dog Food for Huskies
What is Raw Dog Food?
A raw food diet for dogs, also known as a “raw diet” or “BARF diet” (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is a feeding regimen that involves providing dogs with uncooked or minimally processed ingredients.
The raw diet typically consists of raw meat, bones, organs, and other uncooked or lightly cooked components like fruits, vegetables, and some grains.
Here is what makes up raw diets according to most sources.
Nutritionally sound raw diet:
- 70%+ meat
- 10-15% bone
- 10-15% organ
Prey Model Raw Diet:
- 80% meat
- 10% raw edible bone
- 10% secreting organ
Proponents of the raw food diet argue that it closely aligns with what dogs’ ancestors would have eaten in the wild, including what huskies eat in the wild. They believe a raw diet provides several potential benefits, including improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, increased energy, better dental health, and enhanced immune function.
Potential Risks
Raw meat and other raw ingredients used in a raw diet can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. These bacteria can pose health risks not only to your dog but also to the humans in your household who handle the raw food. Dogs may have a lower risk of getting sick from these bacteria than humans, but they can still be carriers and shedders of these pathogens.
Moreover, creating a nutritionally balanced raw diet can be challenging without proper resources and guidance. Dogs require a specific balance of nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Formulating a homemade raw diet that meets all these requirements can be difficult, and an unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients.
However, it is important to note that commercial raw dog food companies are held to extremely high standards, especially regarding safety and meeting nutritional expectations. And they are expected to treat their meat in a way that neutralizes the threat of harmful bacteria. For example, the two raw food companies mentioned above use HPP (high-pressure processing), otherwise known as cold-pressure processing. High-Pressure Processing is a 100% natural non-thermal technology that utilizes high water pressure to neutralize food-borne pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella.
HPP does not use heat, chemicals, non-natural additives, or preservatives but rather pressure to reduce the presence of dangerous pathogens. HPP is a USDA-recognized anti-pathogen step. The food these companies sell is also rigorously tested by the USDA for the presence of bacteria, and they are left with no room for error, so you can be assured that your dog won’t be kissing you with a bunch of nasty germs from any raw food!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Raw Dog Food
Quality ingredients
When choosing a raw food diet for your dog, there are several factors to consider to ensure your pet’s health and well-being. A balanced raw food diet should provide all the necessary nutrients, including protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Select a raw food brand that uses high-quality ingredients from reputable sources. Look for human-grade meats, fruits, and vegetables without additives, fillers, artificial preservatives, or by-products.
High-quality protein source
Dogs are primarily carnivorous, so the raw food you choose should have a high-quality protein source. Common protein sources include beef, poultry, fish, and lamb. Offering a variety of protein sources can help prevent nutrient deficiencies and offer a broader nutrient profile. Rotating different proteins over time can also reduce the risk of developing food allergies or sensitivities.
Strict testing
Raw food can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can pose health risks for both dogs and humans. Look for raw food brands that follow strict quality control measures, perform regular testing, and have safe handling and storage instructions.
Feeding guidelines
Follow the recommended feeding guidelines provided by the raw food manufacturer based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. A good company will provide instructions or recommendations for transitioning your dog to its food. Adjust the portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
Pre-packaged
Some pet food companies offer pre-packaged raw food diets that are ready to serve. These products are convenient as they eliminate the need for sourcing and preparing raw ingredients yourself. They often come in pre-measured portions, making feeding easier. Many pet food companies provide commercial raw food formulas that come in patties, nuggets, or ground forms. These pre-portioned formats simplify meal preparation and make it easier to feed your dog.
Raw food delivery
If you prefer to prepare raw food yourself, you can save time and effort by preparing larger quantities and storing them in portions. This allows you to thaw and serve the food as needed, reducing the daily preparation time. Some companies offer raw food delivery services, where pre-packaged raw food diets are delivered directly to your doorstep. This option can save time and effort in sourcing ingredients and ensures regular availability.
How to Feed Your Husky a Raw Dog Food Diet: Tips for Transitioning
There are a couple of different ways to transition your dog over to a raw diet. Most often, when switching a dog’s diet, it is recommended to do so gradually. And this can certainly still be the case. However, many proponents of raw feeding recommend fasting your dog for about twelve hours and then fully switching to raw and not continuing with their former kibble food at all going forward.
Of course, you can also gradually switch your dog’s food. For example, start by introducing small amounts of raw food while gradually reducing the amount of kibble over a period of 1-2 weeks. Begin with a small percentage of raw food mixed with their regular kibble and gradually increase the proportion of raw food each day.
During the transition, keep a close eye on your dog’s overall health and well-being. Look for any signs of digestive upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If any issues arise, consult your veterinarian for advice. Once your dog is comfortable with a higher percentage of raw food in their meals, gradually decrease the amount of kibble until they are fully transitioned to a raw diet. This process may take several weeks, depending on your dog’s tolerance and acceptance.
Is Raw Food Good for Dogs?
Can huskies eat raw meat? Yes, feeding a raw diet to huskies is believed to offer various benefits, according to proponents of this approach.
Benefits of raw dog food include:
- Improved digestion
- Better dental health
- Shinier coat
- Healthier skin
- Increase energy levels
- Improved vitality
- Aids in weight management
- Alleviates symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities
- Improved immune system
One potential advantage is improved digestion, as raw diets typically contain fewer additives, preservatives, and fillers compared to processed commercial dog food. This can lead to reduced instances of gastrointestinal issues and food allergies.
Another benefit is better dental health, as chewing on raw meaty bones naturally cleans a dog’s teeth and gums, reducing plaque buildup and promoting strong oral health. If you want quality bones, read our guide to the best bones for huskies.
A balanced raw diet, rich in essential fatty acids, can also contribute to shinier coats and healthier skin. The natural oils found in raw meat and fish are thought to support skin health and enhance coat appearance.
Advocates of raw feeding claim that dogs on this diet exhibit increased energy levels and vitality, which they attribute to the absence of fillers and the high-quality nutrients present in raw food. Additionally, raw diets may aid in weight management as they are typically higher in protein, helping dogs feel fuller for longer and potentially reducing overeating and weight gain. For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, a raw diet may alleviate allergy symptoms by eliminating common allergens found in processed dog food, such as certain grains or specific protein sources.
Proponents also argue that raw feeding can enhance the immune system. They believe that a natural, minimally processed diet provides optimal nutrition, supporting a healthier immune response.
Recommendation
When it comes to choosing the best raw dog food for huskies, it is clear that a well-balanced and carefully planned diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Huskies have unique nutritional requirements that reflect their heritage as working dogs in harsh climates. Huskies can thrive on a raw diet by incorporating high-quality protein sources, such as lean meats and fish, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits.
If you are interested in the raw dog food diet, we recommend We Feed Raw.
Has your husky tried the raw dog food diet?
Share your experience in the comments below.
Raw Dog Food Alternatives
We don’t believe raw dog food is good for dogs because it is ‘raw’. We believe raw dog food is healthy because it isn’t heated to high temperatures and doesn’t contain fillers, preservatives, and chemical additives.
Dog food can be just as good, if not better, safer, and tastier if it has been gently cooked. i.e. cooked just enough to bring out the flavor and nutrition (like you would at home), not heated to extremely high temperatures for the sole purpose of increasing its shelf life (which denatures the food).
There isn’t likely much difference in terms of nutrition between raw and gently cooked if both use high-quality whole ingredients. But there is a HUGE difference between gently cooked and highly processed dog food (most commercial kibbles). This applies to human food too. Understanding how food is ‘processed’ is key.
Processed food basics:
- Processed with high heat = bad
- Unknown ingredients = bad
- Not using whole ingredients = bad
- Filler ingredients = bad
- Chemical additives = bad
When it comes to dog food, look for companies that care first and foremost about your dog’s health, instead of prioritizing profit. Making a profit should be a natural byproduct of providing a great food product that adds to your dog’s health, instead of taking it away. If they care more about profit, they will process the food more (e.g. high heat) to increase shelf life, they will add more filler ingredients to save on the more expensive quality ingredients, etc.
Interested in a healthy alternative to raw dog food? See our top picks for the best dog food for huskies.
FAQ
Is a raw diet good for huskies?
Feeding a raw diet to huskies can be somewhat of a controversial topic. However, when a raw diet is fed appropriately, it is perfectly safe and healthy. Supporters say that it mimics a natural diet, and they’ve noticed countless benefits for their dogs, such as healthier skin, increased energy, and better weight management.
How much raw food should a husky eat?
The amount of raw food a husky should eat can vary depending on several factors, such as age, weight, activity level, metabolism, and overall health. In general, a guideline for feeding raw food to a husky is to provide 2-3% of its body weight in food per day. This means that if your husky weighs 50 pounds, you will feed them approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of raw food per day. However, keep in mind that this is just a starting point, and adjustments may be necessary based on your husky’s individual requirements.
What is the best meat for a husky?
Meat is an incredibly important aspect of any husky’s diet. That being said, huskies should be fed high-quality meat above all else. This could include lean cuts of chicken, such as boneless and skinless breast meat, and lean cuts of turkey, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey duck, and venison.
