Siberian husky is a great dog breed that has a thick coat that comes in a multitude of colors and markings. The Siberian husky resembles a wild wolf. The Siberian Huskies are naturally active but they tend to eat less than other dog breeds their size. The dog breed can get nutrients from both plants and animals.
Female huskies weigh about 35 pounds and large make huskies weigh 60 pounds. To maintain the strength and energy of these athletic and active dog breed, you need to give them the best dog food for Siberian husky. An active Siberian husky that weighs about 50 pounds needs an average caloric intake of about 1358 calories according to the National Research Council of the National Academies. However; the ideal calorie intake of a dog depends on its activity level, metabolism, age, and weight.
Tips for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Siberian Husky
If you are a new Siberian husky dog owner or you are planning to own a Siberian husky, it is important for you to know how to identify and select the best dog food for Siberian husky. Here are some great tips to help you choose the food for your Siberian husky.
Protein Requirements
Protein is a very important component in any dog food and especially in the Siberian husky food. Protein is not only a source of energy but it also important in the development of bones and muscle. It is therefore important for dog owners to ensure that the best dog food for Siberian husky they select provides their dog with the right amount of protein.
According to AAFCO (the regulatory food organization in the USA), the best dog food for Siberian husky should have 25% to 35% of protein. However; dog breeders recommend you to feed your husky with food that provides about 40% of protein.
Protein can come from grain and vegetables but it may not be as beneficial as that from whole meat or fish. The best dog food for Siberian husky should have whole meat, such as chicken, beef, fish, and lamb as the first several ingredients listed in the ingredient list.
Amount of Carbohydrate
Dogs can survive on meat largely and only have little carbohydrates such as wheat and potatoes. Most dog food manufacturers use carbohydrates as a cheap source of filler when making dog food. Carbohydrates are cheap and easy to find thus it is not uncommon to find wheat, potato or rice in dog food. However; the amount of carbohydrate should not be high.
Amount of Fat
The right amount of fat can help build the dog’s immunity; help absorb vitamins that help with immunity. It can also help build muscle, nerves, tissues, and cells and also help reduce inflammation. Look for a dog food that has important fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6. These healthy fats are found in salmon oil, poultry fat, flaxseed, and sunflower oils.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also very important for the health of your husky. The best dog food for Siberian husky should provide your dog with vitamins and minerals that it needs. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are commonly found in fruits and vegetables.
Some vitamins such as vitamin A are important in ensuring a shiny coat and also help the eyes and Huskies which are prone to corneal problems. Vitamin B9, on the other hand, helps against anemia and calcium deficiency. Calcium helps in the growth of bones and teeth. It can be found in eggs and milk.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are common amongst different dog breeds and Siberian husky is not an exception. Most food allergies are a result for intolerance to certain foods. Red meat can cause allergies in dogs but the main cause of food allergies in Siberian huskies is wheat and gluten.
Dogs have a short digestive track thus they are not able to effectively digest the high fiber found in grains such as wheat. It is therefore advisable for you to refrain from dog food with high amounts of wheat and other fiber rich foods to avoid food allergies and intolerance in your Siberian husky.
Foods to Avoid
When looking for the best dog food for Siberian husky, dog food with dairy products should be completely avoided. Just like gluten in wheat, dairy products can also cause allergies in Siberian huskies. It might be hard to know which foods can cause an allergic reaction but eliminating dairy products in your dog’s food can help reduce the likelihood of food allergies in your husky.
It is very important for dog owners to carefully check the list of ingredients on a bag of dog food. Dog foods made of bones and carcases of the animal have little nutritional value. Siberian huskies need protein from whole meat thus foods made from bones and carcases are not ideal for Siberian huskies.
Chocolate, raisins, coffee and grapes are other foods that should be avoided in dog foods. The best dog food for Siberian husky is not all your Seberian huskies needs; it needs a constant supply of water to help digest the food.
Possible Health Problems with Siberian Huskies
Siberian huskies are likely to suffer from cataracts which can happen from 6 months of age. Huskies also have some allergic reactions that can cause skin disorders and often result in a loss of pigment on the nose. Siberian huskies are strong and healthy dogs that are less likely to suffer from hip dysplasia and joint problems unlike other dog breeds.
Top 10 Best Dog Food for Siberian Husky
There are so many dog food brands available in the market today, making it more challenging for most people to select the best dog food for Siberian husky. To make it easier for you to identify the best dog foods for your Siberian husky, we have provided you with reviews of dog foods that are ideal for Siberian huskies of different age groups.
We have categorized the reviews of the best dog foods for Siberian husky into three categories; best dog foods for Siberian husky puppies, best dog foods for adult Siberian huskies and best dog foods for senior Siberian huskies.
Best Dog Food For Husky Puppy
When looking for the food for your Siberian husky puppy, it is important for you to ensure that the food you select provides your puppy with vital nutrients needed to help them have a healthy growth. The food should help boost their immune system and also provide them with enough energy. Here are some of the best dog foods for Siberian husky puppies.
#I) Wellness Complete Health Puppy
The Wellness Complete Health Puppy is high-quality dog food that is great for puppies. The puppy food is made to ensure clean skin and coat; sustainable energy; digestive health; healthy eyes, teeth, and gums; and strong immune health in your puppy. It has DHA for brain and eye development, antioxidants from blueberries and spinach, and taurine for a healthy heart.
Wellness Complete Health Puppy is a puppy-specific formula which helps to nourish your Siberian husky puppy. The food’s main ingredients are; chicken, chicken meal, peas, chickpeas, lentils and chicken fat. The dog food has 32% of protein, 18% of fat and 5.5% of fiber according to the manufacturer. Each cup of the dog food provides your dog with 490 kcal of calories.
Pros
- The health puppy food has DHA for brain and eye development, antioxidants from blueberries and spinach, and taurine for a healthy heart.
- It ensures clean skin and coat; sustainable energy; digestive health; healthy eyes, teeth, and gums; and strong immune health in puppies.
- According to the manufacturer, the dog food is gluten free and contains 32% of protein, 18% of fat and 5.5% of fiber.
- It is a puppy-specific formula which helps to nourish your puppy.
#II) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy food is gluten free, dry dog food for puppies. The food helps to support brain and eye development, healthy muscle growth, strong bones and teeth, dental health, healthy skin and coat, and boost immune system health.
According to the manufacturer, the food does not have by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors. The food formula provides your puppy with high-quality ingredients. The main ingredients are; deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein and tapioca starch. The puppy food has 35% protein, 14% fat and 6% fiber. One cup service of the dog food provides your puppy with 412 kcal calories.
Pros
- The dog food does not contain any preservatives, artificial flavors or by-products according to the manufacturer.
- It helps to support brain and eye development, healthy muscle growth, strong bones and teeth, dental health, healthy skin and coat in puppies.
- The Blue Buffalo Wilderness puppy food also helps to boost immune system health.
- It is gluten free and contains just 6% fiber.
#III) Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dog Food
The Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dog Food is a husky-friendly dog food that comes in tiny kibble sizes to make it easy for the puppy to chew and swallow. It is a great choice for Siberian husky puppies that have just started weaning. It is dry dog food that provides your puppy with the exact nutrients for a healthy lifestyle.
The dog food is made using wholesome ingredients such as savory chicken meal and barley to meet your dog’s needs. The food provides nutrients needed to support healthy brain, eye and skeletal development, and promote healthy immune function in puppies. It is made in the United States, every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient content that meet the industry standards. The dog food is for puppies up to 1 year of age and pregnant or nursing dogs.
Pros
- It comes in tiny kibble sizes which make it easy-to-digest for growing puppies that have challenges chewing and swallowing large sized food pieces.
- The dog food has natural DHA from fish oil which helps to support healthy brain and eye development as well as learning ability.
- It provides your dg with antioxidant and vitamin E and C blend which together help support a healthy immune system in your Siberian husky puppy.
- The puppy food does not have any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives according to the manufacturer.
- It is made in the United States thus you can be sure that every ingredient meets strict requirements for purity and nutrient content.
Cons
- Puppies can begin to tire of the food formula over time.
Best Dog Foods for Adult Siberian Huskies
When your puppy has developed and grown and is now an adult husky, you need to switch the food you give him. You will need to switch to adult dog food to provide your Siberian husky with enough nutrients to ensure good health.
According to AAFCO, adult Siberian huskies should have 18% to 20% protein and about 5% fat in their meal. Most adult dog foods exceed this amount but you should ensure that the ingredients present in the dog food are safe for your dog. Here are reviews of the best dog foods for adult Siberian huskies.
#I) Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food just as the name suggests is a gluten free dry dog food that provides your dog with fresh tasting food without the use of preservatives. It is low-glycemic, high in protein dog food that only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Some of the main ingredients found in the dog food are; chicken (ground with bone), turkey (ground with bone), whole herring, chicken liver, chicken heart, whole eggs and spinach greens among others. It provides your dog with 36% protein, 35% fat and 5% fiber. The food provides 449 kcal calories per one cup serving. It is the best dog food for Siberian husky that wants to gain weight.
Pros
- The dog food is low-glycemic, high in protein and only takes a few minutes to prepare.
- It provides your adult dog with fresh tasting food without the use of preservatives.
- The food is gluten free.
- It is a great choice for dog owners that want their Siberian husky to gain weight.
- The dog food provides your dog with 36% protein, 35% fat and only 5% fiber.
#II) Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food
The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Siberian husky that loves or enjoys fish. The dog food is packed with great nutrients that will energize and nourish your dog. It contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, pre- and probiotics for improved digestion, and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to boost your dog’s immunity.
The main ingredients in the dry dog food are; salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, and canola Oil. The food provides 25% protein, 15% fat and 3% fiber. It is a gluten free dog food that is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The food provides 360 kcal calories per one cup serving.
Pros
- The dog food is grain-free and has proteins including real smoked salmon for nutrition that is easy to digest.
- It is ideal for the dogs with food allergies or food sensitivities.
- The dog food provides your dog with powerful antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to help support the immune system and overall health of your husky.
- It has chelated minerals that help ensure maximum absorption of vital nutrients.
- The dry dog food includes omega fatty acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- It is manufactured in the USA by a family owned and run company that uses scientifically advanced food safety procedures.
- According to the manufacture the dog food does not have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
#III) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The Wellness CORE dry dog food is grain-free dog food made with real deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal to provide your adult Siberian husky with the protein-focused nutrition he needs. It has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The dog food provides your dog with probiotics to improve digestion and boost immunity.
The dry dog food is free of meat by-products, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors according to the manufacturer. The main ingredients include; deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas and potatoes. It has Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil to help to support the health of your dog’s skin and coat. The food provides 34% protein, 16% fat and 4% fiber.
Pros
- According to the manufacturer, the food is free of meat by-products, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.
- It is high-protein and grain-free dog food made using real deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal to provide your adult dog with wholesome nutrition.
- The dog food has glucosamine and chondroitin which help maintain bone and joint health to help support your dog’s mobility.
- It has omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon oil to help support the husky’s skin and coat health.
- The food kibbles are coated with probiotics to support digestive health of the dog.
Best Dog Foods for Senior Siberian Huskies
Siberian huskies are very active but as they age, they become less active. Senior Siberian huskies will require a switch in their diet to put up with their low metabolism. For Siberian huskies with a healthy weight, dog owners should feed the dog with dog food that has high protein content to maintain the dog’s strength and muscles.
Dog owners should reduce the food portions for dogs that are overweight and older. You can also opt for certain dog foods that promote weight loss in your dog. If you choose a weight-loss food formula, ensure that the food still provides your dog with enough protein and nutrients. Here are some of the best dog foods for senior Siberian huskies.
#I) Ziwi Peak Daily-Dog Venison Cuisine Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
The Ziwi Peak Daily-Dog Venison Cuisine dog food is a New Zealand-made dog food formula that is free of antibiotics, growth hormones, grain, corn, and soy. It is made from 100% single-sourced venison that is free-range and grass-fed on ethical and sustainable New Zealand farms. The food is naturally preserves through air drying.
The air-dried dog food contains New Zealand green mussel that is a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which supports the joint health of aging huskies. The main ingredients in the dog food are; venison meat, venison liver, lung, tripe, heart, and kidney, New Zealand green-lipped mussel and lecithin (fat). It provides 45%protein, 25% fat and 2% fiber.
Pros
- The dog food is made using gentle twin-stage air-drying process to eliminate pathogenic bacteria while naturally preserving and protecting the nutrients in all the ingredients.
- The ingredients found in the dog food are 95% digestible, high-protein and high-kilocalorie to provide your senior husky with all the nutrients he needs.
- It has New Zealand green mussel that is a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine, which supports the joint health of senior huskies.
- The dry dog formula does not include grains, corn, soy, potatoes, wheat, rice, fillers, sugars, glycerins, rendered meals or preservatives.
- It is made from free-range and grass-fed venison.
#II) Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a great dog food choice for senior Siberian huskies. It provides your husky with all the nutrients he needs for a healthy lifestyle. The dog food formula is made of real chicken protein from farm-raised chickens and whole grains. It does not have any chicken by-product meal, corn, and wheat or soy protein.
The dog food provides amino acids to build muscle and maintain a healthy metabolism in older dogs. It is formulated with natural ingredients to deliver balanced nutrition. The dog food is fortified with vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients to boost the health and immunity of your dog.
It has glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure healthy cartilage, and help maintain healthy joints especially in older dogs. The dog food has the right fiber balance from whole ingredients to promote an ideal digestive environment and help in effective absorption of nutrients.
Pros
- It has fewer ingredients which reduces the number of digestive issues that your husky is likely to suffer.
- The dog food is made of great-tasting, real chicken, which provides amino acids to build muscle and maintain a healthy metabolism in older dogs.
- It is fortified with vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients to boost the immunity of senior Siberian huskies.
- The dog food formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin to ensure healthy cartilage, and help maintain healthy joints.
- It has the right fiber balance from whole ingredients to promote digestive health and help in absorption of nutrients.
Cons
- The Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dog Food has had some few recalls in the past.
#III) Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Dry Dog Food is a recommended dog food formula for Siberian huskies. It is a great food formula for dogs with sensitive skin & stomach. The dog food is made with nutrient-rich salmon as the first ingredient for a protein-rich diet for your senior dog. The dog food is formulated with prebiotic fiber for sensitive stomach for a highly-digestible formula that nourishes the dog and provides beneficial bacteria similar to those present in the dog’s intestines.
The dog food has fish oil which is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids to help support healthy joints and mobility in senior Siberian huskies. It has omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to nourish your dog’s skin and keep his coat looking health and shiny even in his old age. The dry dog food has rice and oat meal to provide easily digestible sources of carbohydrates.
Pros
- It includes fish oil which is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids to help support healthy joints and mobility in senior dogs.
- The dry dog food has omega 6 fatty acids and zinc to nourish your husky’s skin and keep his coat looking health and shiny.
- It is made with nutrient-rich salmon as the first ingredient for a protein-rich diet that helps to maintain muscles and strength.
- The dog food formula is formulated with prebiotic fiber for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- It is a highly-digestible formula that nourishes the dog and provides beneficial bacteria like those present in the dog’s intestines.
Cons
- Some Siberian huskies have gotten gastric problems after consuming dog food formula.
#IV) Holistic Select Natural
Holistic Select Natural dog food is made in the United States. It is a grain free dog food formula that is 100% free of animal by-products, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, fillers and wheat products. It has lamb meal (for the lamb variety) as first ingredient in the list of ingredients to ensure a protein rich diet for Siberian Huskies of all ages.
Most of their flavor varieties, use only one type of meat as a protein source, which make it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and/or food allergies. The dog food has Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil & flaxseed to support healthy skin & coat appearance in your husky. It has fiber rich pumpkin, papaya & pomegranate to encourage proper digestion and nutrients absorption.
Pros
- The dog food formula is made of all natural ingredients with no corn, meat by-products, artificial colors, flavors, fillers or preservatives.
- It has lamb meal to provide balanced everyday protein nutrition for your Siberian husky.
- The dog food includes pumpkin, papaya & pomegranate to encourage proper digestion and nutrients absorption in older dogs.
- It is formulated with has Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil & flaxseed to support healthy skin, bones & coat appearance in your senior huskies.
Conclusion
Siberian huskies are charming dogs that have a great personality and an attractive look. No matter the age, size or weight of your Siberian husky, it is important for you to ensure that he gets the right amount of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals as well as a small percentage of fiber to ensure strength and health.
The dog food formulas we have reviewed are some of the best dog foods for Siberian Huskies. We hope that you now find it easy to select and identify the best dog food for Siberian husky. Feel free to let us know which dog food you found to be the best for your husky from our list of the best dog food for Siberian husky.
Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
