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Knowing what our huskies want to eat and should eat can be one of the more complicated parts of owning a husky and being a pet parent! There are so many options out there, and they all claim to be the best. How are we supposed to know what actually is the best option for our huskies?
What we know for sure is that our huskies require a nutritionally complete diet that has all of the necessary protein and other essential nutrients to properly fuel their bodies.
Whole food ingredients, slow-cooked for nutrition and flavor and frozen for freshness.
- Wholefood ingredients
- Freshly cooked
- No preservatives
- No harmful fillers
What Can Huskies Eat?
Huskies can eat a variety of different foods. There are all sorts of different kinds of protein sources, carbohydrate sources, fruits, and vegetables that huskies can eat and love to eat. However, not all huskies are the same, and some can even be picky eaters!
What huskies usually eat, though, is a complete dog food diet containing at least one meat-based protein source, a grain, and a couple of different fruit and veggie options.
What huskies want to eat is a whole other story. For sometimes being fussy eaters, they sure do like to give us those puppy dog eyes and ask for whatever we may be eating!
Further reading:
Protein and Fat Requirements
Husky Puppies
Husky puppies need a minimum of 22 percent protein content in their food according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), but often benefit from an even higher protein content for their growing bodies, up to 30%. Fat content should be somewhere around 12 to 18%.
Please read the AAFCO guidelines or contact your local vet about diet specifics for Huskies.
Adult Huskies
Adult huskies require a higher protein content in their diet than many other breeds of dogs. You will want to look for dog food that is made for dogs who have a high protein requirement. A general recommendation for adult huskies is to have between 28 and 38% protein in their diet. Fat content should be more in the mid-range, so somewhere between 17 and 20% would be sufficient.
Senior Huskies
Senior huskies need just as much protein, if not more protein, than their younger counterparts. As dogs get older, they start to lose muscle mass which can lead to serious problems in mobility. To help prevent some of this muscle mass loss, stick with a high-protein diet.
Some senior dogs start to gain weight as they get older due to decreased activity levels. Fewer calories may be in order if dogs aren’t keeping up their activity levels. On the other hand, older senior dogs often start to lose weight as their appetites start to decrease with age. It will be important to make sure they are getting the calories they need to maintain a healthy weight.
Male and Female Huskies
Most male and female huskies will share the same nutritional requirements. The main difference will simply be in the amount of food or the calories they consume a day, with females typically eating less.
However, in the case of pregnant or lactating females, they will often benefit from an increase in calories and even protein and fat content.
Further reading:
Benefits of Protein
Protein is such an important part of a husky’s diet because it promotes lean muscle growth, can improve the health of their skin and coat, and even provides a boost to their immune systems.
Without enough protein, our dogs can suffer from lost muscle mass, a weakened immune system, and poor condition in the skin and coat.
Animal protein is the best source of protein for huskies, as plant protein is not easily digested.
Healthy Protein Sources for Huskies
1. Chicken
Chicken is a lean meat that provides the necessary protein and energy for huskies. It also has omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat, as well as high concentrations of other important amino acids.
2. Beef
Beef is another popular and easily accessible protein source for huskies. It has tons of important vitamins and minerals like vitamins B6 and B12 and zinc, as well as riboflavin and iron.
3. Lamb
Lamb is an ingredient that seems to be growing in popularity in the pet food industry because of its rich protein content. It’s also lean meat, so it contains less fat than other protein sources while still maintaining essential amino acids and even glucosamine and chondroitin, which improve the structural health of our dog’s bodies.
4. Fish
Fish, while not as popular a choice as other protein sources, can be a great alternative choice, especially for huskies with allergies to other protein sources. It is high in protein and high in omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Turkey
Turkey is another amazing lean meat protein option for huskies. Dogs who are overweight or have a history of pancreatitis can also benefit from a diet where the primary ingredient is a more lean, low-fat meat.
6. Venison
Venison is an excellent meat option for those looking for something lean. It also is a great source of zinc, a nutrient that many huskies tend not to get enough of.
7. Duck
Duck is another lean meat that huskies enjoy. It is rich in iron and has tons of amino acids necessary for our dog’s health.
Benefits of Grains for Huskies
Though in recent years, there has been an increase in popularity for grain-free diets, the vast majority of dogs, aside from those with grain-specific allergies, greatly benefit from healthy grains in their diet.
Grains like brown rice, barley, and oats are all examples of grains that can play an important role in your dog’s overall health.
Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, in recent years, issued a warning to pet owners that there is an ongoing investigation into a possible link between grain-free diets and an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy and other serious heart conditions.
Many veterinarians agree that cutting grains out of a dog’s diet entirely can lead to them missing out on essential amino acids, fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
Healthy Grain Sources for Huskies
Often the best dog food for a husky with a sensitive stomach is one with a healthy grain source.
1. Rice
In moderation, rice, especially brown rice, is a great source of vitamin D, fiber, and iron. White rice, on the other hand, is more often used to help dogs experiencing digestive upset because the fiber and starch levels help bind the stool.
2. Barley
Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood glucose levels and helps regulate digestion, as well as linoleic acid, which helps improve dogs’ skin and fur.
3. Oats
Barley is a great source of fiber, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and selenium. It is also more easily digested than many other grains.
Benefits of Fat for Huskies
Healthy fats can contain important nutrients like omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and help improve liver, heart, and brain health. Fats also have fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, E, D, and K.
Healthy Fats for Huskies
1. Fish oil
Fish oil contains anti-inflammatory properties and contains DHA, EPA, and Omega-3, all of which are known to help dogs suffering from arthritis.
2. Poultry fat
Poultry fat is often found in chicken and turkey and provides essential fatty acids.
3. Chicken fat
Chicken fat is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids, an important component in cell membrane structure and cell function.
Commercial Dry and Wet Dog Food
By far, the most common option for husky owners is dry commercial dog food. Most countries require regulations to make sure that the food being sold as dog food is safe to eat, accurately labeled, and produced with sanitation protocols in place.
Companies are also required to produce food that is nutritionally complete and balanced per guidelines set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. That being said, some brands are certainly better than others, and choosing the best one for their dog is an important task for owners.
Raw Dog Food Diets
Another option growing in popularity, though somewhat controversial, is a raw food diet for huskies. Proponents believe that this diet more closely mimics how dogs would eat in nature, e.g. what huskies eat in the wild. They also suggest that the dogs benefit from a raw diet with improved joint and bone health, improved skin and coat, and improved dental hygiene.
These diets can be homemade, store-bought, dehydrated, and freeze-dried. The primary ingredients of a raw diet are organ meat, muscle meat, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and sometimes grains.
While huskies can eat raw meat, most veterinarians recommend against feeding a raw food diet as raw meat contains pathogens that can be harmful to humans, especially young children and those who are immunocompromised, as well as dogs.
Veterinarians also worry that dogs on a raw diet may be more at risk for lacking the necessary nutrients from their diet since homemade diets don’t undergo the scrutiny that commercial diets do.
Fresh Dog Food
Another option that falls somewhere in between commercial dog food diets and raw food diets is a fresh food diet. This would look like fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats that are cooked and prepared for dogs.
This decreases the risks associated with feeding raw and allows dogs to have food that is free from any preservatives. Fresh dog food diets can be homemade, but there are also store-bought options available, usually frozen, as well as home delivery options as well.
*Scroll to the bottom to see our #1 recommendation for the best dog food for huskies.
Things to Look for When Choosing a Dog Food Brand
Here are some key considerations before choosing a dog food brand.
- One of the first things to look for when choosing a dog food is the ingredient list. You’ll want to ensure that a whole meat or meat meal is the first ingredient on the list.
- Additionally, look for whole fruits and vegetables in the ingredient list.
- Avoid unnecessary filler like corn, cornflakes, cornmeal, ground corn, or soy.
- Avoid food that contains food colorings or dyes.
- Choose food that contains only natural sources of vitamins and minerals as opposed to synthetic sources.
- Consider your dog’s age and dietary requirements. Puppies have different nutritional needs and caloric needs than adults and vice versa.
- Avoid foods with Melamine as an ingredient, as Melamine is a type of plastic that is able to make food appear as though it has more protein in it.
- Ingredients are listed on the package based on the weight of each ingredient in the food. If chicken and oats are the first two ingredients, then the bulk of the food is going to be made up of chicken and oats. The ingredient listed last will be the ingredient contributing the least amount of weight to the food. You will want to ensure that wholesome ingredients make up at least the first five or six ingredients of any dog food you choose.
Husky Eating Habits
Huskies are typically good at self-regulating how much food they eat compared to how much energy they are using up. Huskies can go without food for extended periods of time. So if a husky hasn’t had much exercise on a particular day, it is likely that he won’t eat as much that day.
On the other hand, if a husky has been more active than usual, it’s likely that he might tell you that he’s still hungry even after his food is gone! That being said, for many huskies, it’s common for them to choose not to eat until they have had some exercise that day.
Another thing about huskies is that they can be very particular about their food and stubborn. They may choose to turn their nose up at any food for any number of reasons one day.
They may also choose to completely devour their food another day. This, of course, will vary from husky to husky as they are highly individualistic dogs, and no two are really all that alike.
Must read: 👉 Best Dog Bowls for Huskies
Final Takeaways About Foods That Huskies Can Eat
Whatever you end up deciding to feed your husky, remember that it is okay to change dog food! Sometimes one dog food will work really well for a while, but as the dog gets older, it may develop different nutritional requirements.
Huskies also are notorious for having sensitive tummies, so it is to be expected that not all dog foods will be a perfect fit. That being said, so long as it’s a complete and balanced diet and you transition slowly over a period of time, it’s perfectly fine to try out different dog foods or add various toppings to get your pup to eat dinner.
What does your Husky like to eat?
Share your experience in the comments below.
FAQ
What is the best diet for my husky?
The best diet for your husky should include high-quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. You should also provide a balance of essential vitamins and minerals. You can consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to create a specific diet plan for your husky. Or visit our review of the best dog food for huskies.
How much should I feed my husky?
The amount of food your husky needs will depend on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. As a general guideline, adult huskies should consume around 2-3 cups of food per day, split into two meals. Puppies may need to eat more frequently throughout the day.
Can huskies eat raw food?
Yes, it is safe for huskies to eat raw food, but it is important to follow proper hygiene and food handling protocols to prevent food-borne illnesses. If you choose to feed your husky a raw diet, make sure it includes a balance of raw meat, bones, and organs, and consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure your husky is getting all the necessary nutrients.
Can huskies eat fish?
Yes, huskies can eat fish as it is a great source of protein and healthy fats like omega 3s. However, you should avoid feeding your husky small, bony fish that can cause choking or gastrointestinal issues. Also, make sure to remove all bones and cook the fish thoroughly to prevent the transmission of any harmful bacteria.
What foods should I avoid feeding my husky?
You should avoid feeding your husky foods that are toxic or harmful, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts. You should also limit your husky’s consumption of processed foods, dairy products, and foods high in salt, sugar, and fat.
What is the best food option for my husky?
The best food option for your husky is a high-quality commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for huskies or large breeds. Look for a food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, no fillers or by-products, and a balance of essential nutrients. You can also consider a homemade diet, but make sure to consult with a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure it is balanced and healthy.
Can huskies eat bananas?
Yes, huskies can eat bananas as they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. However, bananas should be given in moderation as they are high in sugar and can cause upset stomachs if given in large amounts.
What should I do if my husky is not eating?
If your husky is not eating, it may indicate a health problem or stress. You should consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try offering different types of food, warming the food up, or hand-feeding your husky to encourage eating.
What is the feeding schedule for my husky?
You should feed your husky twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you have a puppy, they may need to eat more frequently throughout the day. It is also important to establish a consistent feeding schedule to help with digestion and prevent weight gain.
Can huskies eat bacon?
Huskies can eat bacon, but it is not a recommended food for them. Bacon is high in fat and sodium, which can cause health issues for huskies if consumed in large amounts. It is best to limit your husky’s consumption of bacon and other fatty and salty meats.
