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Huskies are medium-sized dogs that lived primarily in the colder regions of the world and served as sled dogs in the past. However, with globalization, they can be found everywhere now as affectionate and friendly family dogs.
My friend once again enlisted my help to find quality dog food for his furry son Mango, an Alaskan Husky.
I spent days researching Huskey nutrition and reviewing the various dog foods available in the market. I have concluded that the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Huskies overall.
Blue Buffalo uses high-quality ingredients that include plenty of antioxidants to support immunity and overall health. They also offer both grain-free and wholesome grain options, so owners have more choices to choose from.
However, the amount of nutrition each Husky needs differ depending on their unique circumstances. That’s why I have selected a list of the best dog food for Huskies to keep you informed of the possible varieties your Husky may need.
List Comparison
- Best dog food for Huskies overall: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best dog food for Husky puppies: Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe (Grain Free)
- Best dog food for Husky seniors: Open Farm Dry Dog Food Senior Recipe (Grain Free)
- Best dog food for Huskies during Winter seasons: ORIJEN Dry Dog Food Six Fish Flavor (Grain Free)
- Best dog food for Huskies during Summer seasons: ORIJEN Fit and Trim Dog Food (Grain Free)
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
- Key feature: High-protein dog food with antioxidant ingredients to support overall health
- First 5 ingredients: Varies depending on the flavor
- Caloric content: Ranges from 3592 kcal/kg to 3599 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 34% protein, Min 15% fats, Max 6% fiber
- Best for: Adult Huskies in general
Blue Buffalo Wilderness dry dog food comes in multiple flavors (chicken, duck, and salmon) with both grain-free and wholesome grain options for owners to choose from.
The kibbles contain 34% protein, which is more than enough for your Husky. It also has 15% fats and approximately 3600 kcal/kg caloric content, which is sufficient for your Husky’s healthy growth and development.
After switching to this brand, owners praise the excellent quality ingredients used to manufacture this dog food and mentioned the lack of allergies seen in their dogs. Most owners also recommend the duck flavor as their dogs are particularly receptive to this flavor.
However, some owners did report their dogs having digestive issues after consumption of this food. Do lookout for any symptoms such as diarrhea and soft stools after switching to Blue Buffalo to ensure your Husky’s digestive health.
2. Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe (Grain Free)
- Key feature: Grain-free, antioxidant-rich dry dog food for puppies
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden fish meal, Lentils, Peas, and Potatoes
- Caloric content: 4,070 kcal/kg or 520 kcal/cup
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 32% crude protein, Min 16% crude fat, Max 4% crude fiber
- Best for: Husky puppies
The Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe, which only has 9 main ingredients, is grain-free and uses potatoes to provide carbohydrates. The lentils and peas included are also rich in antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
This brand of puppy food provides at least 32% protein and 16% fat, which is an excellent choice for puppies who need the proteins for cell building and the fats for energy and skin health. However, they also provide higher calories (at 520 kcal/cup) than the average puppy food (348 kcal/cup).
Generally, many owners reported that switching to this food had led to better skin and bowel health. Owners with dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs also found this limited ingredient diet suitable for them.
However, puppies with chicken allergies cannot take this as they only provide chicken flavor for puppies. Reviewers have also compared the food bought online and from stores and found them different, possibly due to being manufactured in different factories.
3. Open Farm Dry Dog Food Senior Recipe (Grain Free)
- Key feature: High-quality meats with nutrition to support joint health and digestion
- First 5 ingredients: Humanely raised turkey, Humanely raised chicken, Sweet Potato, Ocean whitefish meal, Field peas
- Caloric content: 440 calories/cup
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 31% protein, Min 12.5% fats, Max 4.5% fiber
- Best for: Senior Huskies
The senior recipe for Open Farm dry dog food uses fowl as the primary protein source. As older dogs are more likely to have joint and digestive issues, they have also included nutrients to support health in these two areas.
The kibbles contain 31% protein and 12.5% fats, with 440 calories per cup, providing just the right amount of nutrition for your senior Husky.
Owners said that their senior dogs who have lost appetite in other brands started eating normally again when served the Open Farm brand. They are also happy that their money is being used to fund humane and sustainable farms.
However, owners have also feedbacked that this food did not seem suitable for small breed dogs. Therefore, if you have both Huskies and other small breed dogs in the family, please avoid feeding the small breed dogs this food.
4. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food Six Fish Flavor (Grain Free)
- Key feature: Fish-based, grain-free dog food that helps with skin health
- First 5 ingredients: Whole Atlantic mackeral, Whole Atlantic herring, Monkfish, Acadian redfish, Flounder
- Caloric content: 3940 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 38% protein, Min 18% fats, Max 4% fiber
- Best for: Huskies during the Winter season
ORIJEN dry dog food (Six Fish flavor) is made primarily using fish as the main source of proteins and fats. These kibbles are loaded with plenty of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to maintain skin and coat health.
The kibbles contain 38% protein and 18% fats, with a 3940 kcal/kg caloric content on the higher end of the spectrum but still within acceptable levels.
Dog owners, top reviewers, and other dog blogs also support this dog food brand as their pups thrived on it. Also, this is one of the few brands with no recalls, so you can be reassured of the quality of the food.
The ORIJEN brand can be very pricy for some owners, but the price is worth it for a dog food of this quality.
5. ORIJEN Fit and Trim Dog Food (Grain Free)
- Key feature: Fowl-based, grain-free dog food that helps to maintain weight
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, Chicken liver, Turkey liver, Cod liver, Eggs
- Caloric content: 3530 kcal/kg
- Guaranteed analysis: Min 40% protein, Min 13% fats, Max 8% fiber
- Best for: Huskies during the Summer season and Huskies on weight management
ORIJEN dry dog food (Fit and Trim) uses fowl (chicken) as the primary ingredient for its protein sources, making the kibbles healthy and nutritious.
The kibbles contain more proteins (40% vs 38%), with lesser fats (13% vs 18%) and lower caloric content (3530 vs 3940 kcal/kg) compared to the Winter counterpart, the Six Fish flavor. In contrast, Huskies are likely not to need that many proteins in the Summer, the decrease in fats and caloric content offsets this slight increase in proteins.
Owners with overweight dogs said that their dogs slimmed down without side effects after switching to this brand. Most owners also reported that their dogs lived long, healthy lives when kept on this diet.
Again, the price may be a deterrent for owners on a tighter budget, but the price is worth it for a dog food of this quality.
Huskies’ Dietary Requirements
Huskies’ food should be mainly composed of animal proteins, but you should also keep the number of carbohydrates in their diet to a minimum. Excessive amounts may result in health concerns such as digestive difficulties, tiredness, and food allergies.
Protein
Since Huskies are genetically wired to be highly active, they require a high protein diet to maintain the growth and repairs of their muscles, bone, and other tissues. As such, the dog food provided should have at least 25-35% protein.
Good protein sources include fish, fowl, and grassland animals like cows and buffalos.
Do note that your Husky’s body can only digest and absorb a certain amount of protein at one time, so overloading your dog with proteins is not suggested. If excessive amounts of proteins are provided, the surplus will be stored as fat or used as fuel.
Fats
Good fats are beneficial for your Husky’s skin and coat, neurological system, hormone synthesis, and maintaining a healthy energy level. However, an excessive intake of fats can put your Husky at risk for significant health problems.
Therefore, dog food suitable for Huskies should contain about 15-20% fats. These fats should come from good foods such as fish oil.
Carbohydrates
Huskies still need carbohydrates, but they are not exactly receptive to grains such as corn or wheat.
Therefore, it is best to provide your Husky with grain-free food with ingredients such as potatoes and carrots.
Seasonal Changes
Most Huskies originate from areas with colder climates. Hence, their bodies are also genetically wired to burn more protein during Winter to keep themselves warm. This means they will need lesser protein intake in Summer and more protein intake in Winter [1].
Also, their coat will be thicker and require more maintenance during Winter, so a fish-based kibble with fats for coat health is better. [2]
As such, you may want to choose two different kibbles for your Husky – one for the Summer and one for the Winter, and do a rotating diet for it during Spring and Autumn.
Common Health Issues In Huskies
Huskies are friendly dogs suitable for families who love furry animals and don’t mind caring for their coats. However. coat and shedding issues are not the only few that Huskies face.
Listed below are some of the health issues Huskies can have.
Eye Problems
Cataract is one of the most common health problems affecting about 10% of Huskies. This may lead to blindness in later stages, so it’s important to bring your Husky to the veterinarian for frequent eye check-ups.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is another common eye problem for Huskies that can lead to blindness.
Cataracts can be cured by surgery, while currently, PRA does not have any effective treatment.
Nevertheless, feeding your Husky with food that supports and boosts eye health may be beneficial (but yet to be proven) in preventing the development of these problems.
Hip Dysplasia
As your Husky grows, the hip joint might loosen, causing dysfunction and pain. If this condition worsens, it will lead to other related issues such as arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility [3].
While hip dysplasia affects primarily large and giant breeds, highly active dogs are also at greater risk of developing it.
Hip dysplasia can be treated by medical treatment or surgery. Complementary treatment includes therapy and weight management.
Therefore, choosing a high-quality dog food that helps in weight management will likely prevent or slow down the progress of this disease.
Uveodermatologic Syndrome
Uveodermatologic Syndrome is a complex disease affecting the eyes, skin, and nervous systems. It is hypothesized to be triggered by a virus [4].
It is caused by the immune system destructing melanocytes (pigment-making cells) concentrated in the skin and eyes. While the worst effects on the skins are cosmetic, this disease can cause blindness.
Northern breeds (which Huskies are grouped under) are the most commonly affected group.
Treatment is usually therapy and medication that helps to support the immune system and the eyes. To supplement the medication, owners can feed their affected Huskies a dog food high in antioxidants to help support the immune system.
Considerations When Buying Dog Food For Huskies
There are special considerations when buying food for Huskies, and they are listed below.
Ingredients Included
Addressed under Huskies’ Dietary Requirements is how Huskies will fare better on different types of proteins depending on the season.
Therefore, if you intend to keep your Husky on a rotating diet, you will have to pay attention to the ingredient list – fish for the Winter months and fowl for the Summer months.
Also, as Huskies generally do not digest grains well, selecting a grain-free dog food will likely reduce complications in your Husky’s digestion.
Cost
Huskies are medium-sized breeds, and they eat quite a lot. Your Husky is likely to burn through the bags of dog food that you purchase for them quickly.
The best option is to purchase the best quality dog food that is most suitable for your dog.
However, sometimes, some owners cannot afford the best option due to budget constraints. In such cases, try to strike a balance between price and quality.
Remember – low-quality dog food usually has many filler and additives that may result in health issues. Trips to the veterinarian will cost you a hefty sum, even more than the amount you saved from buying low-quality food!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Feeding Huskies
Husky owners may scratch their heads over some common questions, which are addressed below.
If you have a question not listed here, you can always contact us, and we will give you a reply.
When should I switch from puppy to adult food?
Puppy meals, which are required throughout the puppy period, have greater protein and calorie counts to satisfy the developing demands of your Husky pup. By transiting to adult dog food too soon, you might risk providing it with lesser nutrients than your puppy needs, possibly impacting its growth negatively,
As Huskies are considered medium breed dogs, they are considered adults after 12-14 months and can then switch to adult dog food.
If you still feel unsure about when to switch, the safest ways are to change only after your Husky is 14 months old or ask the veterinarian whether your Husky is ready to switch to adult food.
How much should I feed my Husky?
As different food brands have different nutritional content, the feeding guides on the packaging are a good starting reference point.
You can then adjust the amount to feed your dog based on its activity levels, appetite, etc.
Alternatively, you can ask your veterinarian, who is familiar with your dog, the suggested amount of calories to feed your Husky every day and do the calculations based on the brand’s specific nutritional content.
Is a raw diet better than commercial dog food for Huskies?
Yes, raw diets are better, but not all owners choose a raw diet for their Huskies. Choosing to feed a raw diet will require significant knowledge of food handling and nutritional calculations.
Experienced dog owners who know how to calculate their dogs and the provided food’s nutritional content may choose to feed a raw diet that is best tailored to their Huskies’ needs.
Most owners with working or competing Huskies will choose to custom tailor the food for every Husky they have to maintain them at optimal health and condition. However, such arrangements are a huge hassle as you have to prepare fresh food frequently and know how to handle raw food so that they do not get contaminated.
However, the average pet owner who keeps Huskies as home dogs has a greater leeway with how their Husky develops. Therefore, most will choose the more hassle-free way of feeding recommended commercial dog food with suggested feeding guides.
Are Huskies picky eaters?
Most Huskies are not picky eaters, and they are typically quite eager about feeding times compared to other breeds.
If your Husky stops showing interest or eat lesser food than expected, it might be possible that it is bored of the food or has been fed too many treats. If it is the former, consider keeping it on a rotating diet; if it is the latter, consider reducing the number of treats fed every day.
If neither of the above listed is the reason, you should be on alert – it may be a warning sign that your Husky is not feeling well. Bring it to the veterinarian for a check-up to see if there are any health issues.
Is it true that older Huskies need more proteins?
Yes, older Huskies need more protein than young adult Huskies because they are starting to replace their wasting muscle mass, which requires protein.
Therefore, opt for dog food higher in protein content for Huskies about 7 years and older.
Our Verdict
Huskies are medium, active dogs that need meat-based food with high-quality proteins. Fish-based food is better in the Winter seasons, while fowl-based food is better in the Summer seasons.
We strongly believe that the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food is the best option for adult Huskies. It contains high-quality ingredients with many nutrients that can support your Husky’s immunity and overall health.
Nevertheless, every Husky is unique. Do evaluate your Husky’s needs before selecting dog food for it, and always consult a veterinarian’s opinion when you are in doubt.
