by Tom Ken
With their strikingly wolf-like traits, huskies have been winning the hearts of dog lovers for thousands of years. But, if you have one and want to keep it happy and healthy, it is vital to know how to choose the best dog food for huskies.
Huskies are some of the most energetic dog breeds in the world, and they are always in motion. Whether it is the Alaskan huskies pulling luggage in the arctic or a friendly Siberian husky playing with kids in the backyard, these dogs will require enough energy to keep going.
In this piece, we look at some of the best dog food options for huskies and explain the important things to keep in mind when making your selection.
Contents
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
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1. Taste of the Wild High Protein Dry Dog Food (Best Overall) |
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2. Crave Grain Free Dry Dog Food (Best Budget) |
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3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best Brand) |
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4. Purina Pro Plan Sport Dry Dog Food (Best for Husky Puppies) |
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5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Huskies) |
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6. Orijen Premium Quality Meat, Dry Dog Food (Best Dry Food) |
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7. Pedigree High Protein Dry & Wet Dog Food (Best Balanced Food) |
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The Taste of the Wild High Prairie is grain-free dog food made from roasted bison and venison to provide a high-quality protein source and ensure your husky gets the tastiest food.
It has 28% protein content and 17% fat, both of which are high enough to ensure your husky puppies grow fast and healthy. To make sure it is as healthy as it gets, the manufacturer uses ingredients sourced from trusted and sustainable sources.
This dog food is rich in antioxidants to support the dog's overall well-being, DHA for vision and brain development, and species-specific probiotics for a healthy immune system. It will also not contain gluten, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
This dog food is by far not the best smelling, but as most dog owners will find out, the smell only takes some getting used to, and the dog should not have any problem with it.
Pros:
Cons:
Sometimes you will not have a lot of money to spend but still want to get high-quality food for your husky. In such instances, this more affordable Crave High Protein is a fantastic choice.
Despite the smaller price tag, this is still a high-quality dog food made from real whitefish and salmon to deliver a 34% protein content for a healthy and lean body. What's more, the dog food has a tasty, meaty flavor that your dog will love.
This dog food delivers the much-needed energy for dogs without using grains, and it will not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. Although the bag size looks smaller, which can give an impression there is less dog food in the pack, the good news is that you still get the advertised quantity.
Pros:
Cons:
Blue Buffalo is a fantastic good food brand that always guarantees superior quality for all its products. This particular puppy food is made with real chicken to provide up to 36% protein to ensure your puppies grow fast and lean.
With this top brand dog food, you will get a perfect blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the pet's immune system and life stage requirement support. All the ingredients used are natural, and the food also includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development.
The quality of the resealable bag and this is more, so the zip is not very good. With regular opening and closing, it might not last very long. But, you can always transfer the food to a better bag.
Pros:
Cons:
Purina Pro Plan Sport is our best dog food for husky puppies as it is rich enough to support fast growth. The dog food uses salmon as the main protein source, and it has a 30% protein and 20% fat blend to cater to the puppy's metabolic function.
The formulation also helps the dog maintain strong and lean muscles. With the high enough dosage of EPA and glucosamine, this food will support mobility and overall joint health. Better yet, it has amino acids for nourishing the muscles. And the immune system is well-taken care of as the food is rich in antioxidants.
There are no artificial flavors or preservatives on this dog food. Although it can be a little too rich or energy-packed for some huskies, it should still be fine for most puppies provided you keep the portion right.
Pros:
Cons:
This husky food by Blue Buffalo has everything your adult husky needs from a real chicken protein that helps build lean muscles to a good amount of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants for its overall well-being.
The dog food is perfectly balanced with natural sources of carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes. Also, it uses fruits and vegetables that include carrots and blueberries to supply the vitamins.
There is enough omega 3 & 6 in this husky food to ensure your furry friend gets a perfect skin and coat. The small kibble size can be a drawback for some adult huskies, and this is more so those that have missing teeth, but overall most should still chew them with no difficulties.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want a dog food that will give you an easy time when it comes to storage and carrying, the Orijen Original is perfect. Besides being our best dry dog food for huskies, this is also highly nutritious food made with raw and fresh ingredients that include deboned chicken and vegetables.
There are no grains in this dog food, which will ensure that there is no gluten, which can be bad for some sensitive huskies. Because it does not have any rendered meals, you can be sure of a maximum concentration of nutrients in every kibble.
While this dog food is for all stages of development, the kibbles can be a little larger for some puppies. Also, the smell is quite strong and will take some time for the husky to get used to it.
Pros:
Cons:
Pedigree High Protein is a complete and balanced food for your husky that will provide everything the dog needs to reach its full potential. It is made with real lamb and beef to ensure the husky gets the best protein quality.
Because this is omega-6 rich dog food, it will be instrumental at nourishing the dog's skin and coat, while the absence of artificial flavors and sugar makes it a healthier option.
Beef is a common allergen for many dog breeds, including some huskies, but provided your dog does not have an issue with it; this food is perfect. And despite not being grain-free, it will not pose any significant health risks.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want your adult husky to build and maintain lean muscles, the up to 30% protein content of the Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe makes it a perfect pick.
With the LifeSource bits that characterize most Blue Buffalo dog foods, you will get the perfect blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins for the overall well-being of your husky.
Although this dog food is a little pricier given that other brands sell the same quantity at a much lower price, there is value for every buck you pay thanks to its superior quality.
Key Features
Wellness Core Natural Original is all about whole-body health, and it achieves this with an infusion of antioxidants, amino acids, and glucosamine.
The 34% protein content is one of the highest on our dog foods for huskies review, and it will ensure the dog builds and maintains a lean mass. This dog food also has prebiotics, and probiotics included to promote the health of the digestive system.
The only minor complaint is with quality control, but if you buy from the manufacturer-approved suppliers, you will never have any issues with quality assurance.
Key Features
The Royal Canin Joint Care is full of advanced nutrients that include collagen to ensure it will promote good joint health and mobility. With the adapted calorie content, this dog food will support healthy weight management for your husky.
Because this is not grain-free dog food, it contains gluten and will hence not be ideal for some huskies, so you need to check the list of ingredients carefully before giving it to your pet.
Key Features
Canidae Pure Real Chicken is specially formulated to support all life stages, and will hence be ideal for both puppies and adult huskies. Better yet, it is a limited ingredient dog food with only eight ingredients.
The inclusion of antioxidants, probiotics, and fatty acids ensures it will help the immune and digestion systems, while also giving the pet a beautiful skin/coat.
For the price of this dog food, one would expect to get a zip lock seal on the bag, but the absence of one is still not a big issue, and should hence not be a deal-breaker.
Key Features
What makes the Blue Buffalo Wilderness is one of the best dog food for huskies is that it has been specially formulated with the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein to suit your senior husky.
It is packed with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote good joint health and mobility. It also has the perfect blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.
This food has a strong odor when left on the bowl for too long, and so it is the kind that you will want to wash the dog dish as soon as the pet finishes eating.
Key Features
The age of your dog is always one of the first factors to consider when choosing the best dog food. This is because dogs will need different nutrient requirements and calories at various stages of development.
For example, puppies will need more proteins and foods with a higher fat content like Purina Pro Plan Sport. But, once the husky reaches maturity, you will have to scale down on the fat and protein content on their food and add other things like low glycemic carbs.
Like any other dog breed, huskies will live in different environments, which means that their level of activity will vary despite these being very energetic animals.
Hence, as you choose dog food for your husky, you should make sure that you match your choice to its activity level. You do not want to give a high-calorie meal to a dog that tends to be lazier than it can lead to obesity as the energy will be less utilized.
On the other hand, super active huskies will burn more calories, which means they will also need more food and higher calorie intake.
Besides supplying the body with much-needed energy, the protein in food will help your husky build muscle and bones. However, not just any protein will be good for huskies, so besides the protein quantity, you will need to check the quality.
Whole meats sourced from chicken, turkey, beef, and even wild animals like bison like what is in Taste of the Wild High Protein Recipe will provide enough and good quality protein for your husky.
Dog food with at least 18% protein content should be good enough, but many breeders and other experts will recommend up to 50% protein, and this is more so for working huskies.
Fats will also be essential for huskies, and this is more so for puppies as it will help boost the immune system and produce different hormones.
Getting enough fats is essential as it ensures the vitamins the dog consumes can be absorbed easily. With a good dose of fats, the dog will also build muscles fast and reduce inflammation.
Some of the fundamental fat types that huskies need are omega 3 and 6, and they should come from healthy sources such as salmon oil, flaxseed, and poultry.
A 5% fat content should be good enough for adult huskies, while at least 8% should be ideal for husky puppies.
The best dog food brand for huskies will often be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Huskies will not need a lot of carbs, and giving them too much of it can be detrimental as it can lead to excessive weight gain.
While huskies might not be susceptible to skin problems and allergies as a result of taking carbs like other breeds such as boxers, it is still a good idea to give them a zero or low carb diet.
If you do not want a completely grain-free food, you should avoid those that will contain soy, wheat, and corn as these are common allergens that will not do the dog any good.
Read More: The Best Grain-free Dog Food
Instead, opt for whole grains like barley or brown rice like what you get in the Royal Canin Joint Care as the source of carbs for the husky.
Like most animals, dogs will benefit a lot from vitamins and minerals. Hence, any food that you buy should have the right amount of both.
Vitamin A will help the eyes, which is very useful for huskies, given that these dogs tend to be prone to corneal problems. Minerals like calcium, on the other hand, will help the husky grow healthy teeth and bones.
Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for the required vitamins and minerals, but just make sure the dog is not allergic to the kinds used.
A: Commercial dry or wet food is generally safer for your husky. Also, commercial food will be simple to store, lasts longer, and is more affordable. Hence, this makes commercial food an excellent way to feed your husky.
However, some husky owners still prefer raw foods like chicken, lamb, and vegetables, as they are more nutritious. All in all, the most important thing is to make sure your husky gets enough nutrients.
A: Typically, huskies will eat less food when compared to other similar size dog breeds. An adult husky will require around 2-1/2 cups of food every day.
But, the actual quantity will depend on the activity level of the dog. It will also be a good idea to split up the meal into smaller portions and feed your husky twice or thrice daily to prevent bloating.
A: While huskies tend to be more resistant to food allergies, you still cannot just feed them anything. For the health of your dog and to ensure they get the calories and nutrients they need, you should avoid giving your husky garlic, onion, too much dairy, chocolate, and cooked bones.
Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. - Walmart Link
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food and Wet - Walmart Link
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food, White Fish & Salmon - Walmart Link
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food - Walmart Link
Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry & Wet Canned Dog Food - Walmart Link
Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein 30/20 Salmon Dry Dog Food - Walmart Link
The Taste of the Wild High Prairie - Walmart Link
This particular puppy food - Walmart Link
Purina Pro Plan Sport - Walmart Link
This husky food by Blue Buffalo - Walmart Link
Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe - Walmart Link
Wellness Core Natural Original - Walmart Link
The Royal Canin Joint Care - Walmart Link
Canidae Pure Real Chicken - Walmart Link
Taste of the Wild High Protein Recipe - Walmart Link
Royal Canin Joint Care - Walmart Link
Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. - eBay Link
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food and Wet - eBay Link
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food, White Fish & Salmon - eBay Link
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food - eBay Link
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food & Wet Dog Food - eBay Link
Pedigree High Protein Adult Dry & Wet Canned Dog Food - eBay Link
Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein 30/20 Salmon Dry Dog Food - eBay Link
The Taste of the Wild High Prairie - eBay Link
This particular puppy food - eBay Link
Purina Pro Plan Sport - eBay Link
This husky food by Blue Buffalo - eBay Link
Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe - eBay Link
Wellness Core Natural Original - eBay Link
The Royal Canin Joint Care - eBay Link
Canidae Pure Real Chicken - eBay Link
Taste of the Wild High Protein Recipe - eBay Link
Royal Canin Joint Care - eBay Link
The high energetic huskies will need a nutritious and well-balanced diet to ensure they have the energy they need for their active life.
Now finding the best dog food for a husky is as easy as picking from our list above as there is something for every life stage. However, the Taste of the Wild High Protein Recipe is our best overall option thanks to the high-quality real meat protein and all-natural ingredients.
But if you have a puppy husky, the Purina Pro Plan Sport is the best option for you as it has the perfect balance of protein and carbs, and it is also easy to chew for the pups.
About Tom Ken
Tom has worked with many veterinary surgeons as a nurse at different veterinary clinics throughout his life.
There, he provides care for sick animals; such as: dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, and sometimes reptiles.
He has good work ethics and gentle hands; hence, the doctors as well the pet owners have come to love his presence alot.
With this site, he aims to help the readers ensure their pets' wellbeing, learn how to care, and proivide medical treatment as needed.
Joshua received Veterinary Technician Degree at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
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