As a husky owner, you want the best for your furry friend. You know that nutrition plays a key role in health and keeping your high-energy husky happy. But with so much conflicting info out there on what to feed your husky, you just want a straightforward guide. Well, here it is – the complete overview of the husky diet and nutrition tailored specifically to your breed. In this article, you’ll get the down-low on how many calories your husky needs daily, the best dog food brands for huskies, homemade recipes to try, supplements to consider, and tips on how to tell if your pup’s diet needs adjusting. Get ready to become a husky diet expert.
An Introduction to the Husky Breed
The Siberian Husky is a striking breed with a long history. Originally from Siberia, the husky was used by the Chukchi people as a sled dog and companion. Today, huskies are popular family dogs, though they still enjoy physical activity and the opportunity to run.
Appearance
Huskies are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 35 to 65 pounds. They have a dense double coat, almond-shaped eyes, and a distinctive mask-like facial pattern. Huskies come in a variety of colors including black and white, copper-red and white, and gray and white. They tend to have a wolf-like appearance, though they are not closely related to wolves.
Temperament
Huskies are energetic, friendly, and playful dogs. They tend to be good with children and other dogs but should be supervised due to their size and energy level. Huskies are intelligent but can be difficult to train as they tend to be independent and stubborn at times. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important for huskies. They thrive when given opportunities to exercise, play, and interact with their owners. Bored or under-stimulated huskies may become destructive.
Exercise Needs
As a high-energy breed, huskies require a lot of exercise. A good minimum is an hour of activity per day, including walks or jogs, playtime, and training. Huskies also enjoy activities like hiking, sledding, and swimming. Without exercise, huskies can become bored, and restless and may develop behavioral issues. Huskies are not ideal for apartment-living or sedentary owners unless their exercise needs can be properly met.
Grooming
The husky has a thick double coat that requires regular brushing and grooming. Huskies shed heavily year-round, and even more so during seasonal coat blows in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to control shedding and keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Bathing should only be done when necessary using a quality dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin and coat. Their nails should also be trimmed regularly and their ears checked and cleaned when needed.
Husky Nutritional Needs: Protein, Fats, Carbs and More
As an active and energetic breed, Huskies have some specific nutritional needs to keep them happy and healthy. Protein is essential for your Husky as it provides the building blocks for strong muscles, organs, and coats. Look for high-quality dog food where meat like fish, beef, or chicken is the first ingredient. Meat meals and by-products are less ideal. Huskies need moderate amounts of fat for energy and a shiny coat. Healthy fats include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and animal fats.
Carbohydrates provide fiber to aid digestion and important vitamins and minerals. However, too many carbs, especially grains, are not ideal for Huskies. Look for dog food with vegetables, fruits, and starchy veggies like sweet potatoes. Limit excess filler like corn and wheat. An optimal Husky diet should be high in protein (at least 25-30%), moderate in fat (around 15%), and low in carbs (less than 50%).
In addition to these macronutrients, Huskies need certain vitamins, minerals, and supplements for top health:
- Calcium and phosphorus for their bone health and better growth.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and to reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics or digestive enzymes to improve gut health and nutrient absorption.
- Certain B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, for energy and metabolism.
- Antioxidants like vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene boost immunity.
- Feed an adult Husky 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food split into two meals per day. For puppies, feed 3-4 cups split into 3 meals. Always have fresh, clean water available, and monitor your Husky’s body condition score to determine if you need to adjust amounts up or down.
Providing the right balance of nutrients will help ensure your Husky lives a long, active, and enjoyable life by your side. Be sure to talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your Husky’s diet or if they are showing signs of nutritional deficiencies or sensitivities.
Feeding a Husky Puppy vs an Adult Dog
Raising a Husky puppy or adult dog requires providing the right diet to support their growth and overall health. Huskies are an energetic breed and need a high-quality diet with plenty of protein to fuel their activity levels. However, the specific nutritional needs of a puppy differ from an adult.
Puppy Food (8 weeks to 12 months)
New Husky puppies need puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. This food has the additional calories and nutrients needed for a Husky puppy to grow into a healthy adult. Puppy food also has the proper calcium/phosphorus balance for controlled, steady growth to prevent growth disorders.
For the first 3-4 weeks, feed your Husky puppy 3-4 small meals a day. Then switch to 2-3 meals a day for the next couple of months. By around 6 months, transition to two meals a day.
For a typical Husky puppy, start with about 3⁄4 to 1 cup of high-quality puppy food at each meal. Then adjust based on your puppy’s size, age, and activity level.
Always have fresh, clear, and clean water available for your puppy. Staying hydrated is important for a growing puppy.
Adult Dog Food (12 months and older)
Once your Husky reaches 12 months, you can switch to high-quality adult dog food formulated for large-breed dogs. Adult Husky dog food has the balanced nutrition for an active adult Siberian Husky.
For most adult Huskies, 2-3 cups of dog food divided into two meals is a good starting amount. Then adjust based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level to maintain a healthy body condition.
Be sure to measure out portions to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity.
Also continue to provide constant access to fresh, clean water. An active Husky needs to stay well hydrated.
By understanding and meeting the specific dietary needs of a Husky at each life stage, you can support their growth into a happy, healthy companion for life. Feeding the right puppy or dog food in the proper amounts, along with nutrition for treats, is key to your Husky’s well-being.
How Much Should You Feed a Husky?
Determining how much to feed your Husky puppy or adult dog depends on several factors, including age, size, build, metabolism, and activity level. As a general rule of thumb:
Puppies require more calories for growth, so feed puppies 3 times a day. For the first 6 months, feed about 1 1⁄2 to 2 cups of high-quality puppy food per 4-6 pounds of body weight.
For adult Huskies, most owners feed their dog 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into 2 meals. The exact amount will depend on your dog’s age, size, body condition, and activity level.
The best way to determine if you’re feeding your Husky the right amount is to assess their body condition. You should be able to see a visible waistline and feel their ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. If your Husky looks overweight, cut back by about 1⁄4 cup at each meal and reassess in a month. For underweight Huskies, increase by the same amount.
It’s also important to choose high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds or active dogs. Huskies have different nutritional requirements than small or sedentary dogs. Look for a brand with protein from meat as the first ingredient, healthy grains or vegetables, and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Limit treats to no more than 10% of your Husky’s daily calories.
Always have fresh, clean water available for your Husky. They need to stay well hydrated, especially if they exercise or are active. Huskies that don’t get enough water can face dehydration which leads to other health issues.
By monitoring your Husky’s body condition and adjusting as needed, providing measured amounts of high-quality food, and ensuring constant access to fresh water, you’ll be able to determine and provide the right amount of sustenance for your energetic and playful companion.
Best Dog Foods for Huskies
As an energetic breed, huskies need high-quality dog food to fuel their active lifestyle. The best foods for Siberian huskies are:
High in Protein
Huskies are carnivores and need a diet high in animal-based proteins like:
- Meat (beef, chicken, fish)
- Meat meals (beef meal, chicken meal)
- Animal by-products (liver, kidneys)
Aim for a dog food with at least 30-50% of its calories from high-quality animal protein sources listed as one of the first few ingredients.
Limited in Grains
Whole grains are a cheap source of calories and fiber, huskies do better on a grain-free or limited-grain diet. Grains are harder to digest and can trigger allergies in some huskies. If grains are used, look for whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal, not fillers like corn and wheat.
Nutrient-Dense
Huskies have high energy needs, so choose a dog food packed with nutrients to keep your husky in peak condition. Look for foods with healthy fats from fish oil or flaxseed oil, digestible carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals. Foods with “all life stages” or formulas for “active/working dogs” often fit the bill.
Specific for Huskies (Optional)
Some high-quality dog food brands offer breed-specific formulas for huskies that follow the above guidelines. These specialized formulas may include supplements like glucosamine for joint health and nutrients tailored to a husky’s needs. However, a high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food appropriate for all life stages or active breeds will also work great for a husky.
Feeding your husky a diet high in protein, limited in grains, and packed with nutrients will give them the energy they need to be happy and healthy. Be sure to always provide access to fresh, clean water for your husky to drink as well. With the right diet and care, your husky can live a long and active life by your side.
Homemade Husky Meal Recipes
Huskies require a diet high in protein to support their active lifestyle and lean muscle mass. Home-cooking meals for your husky is a great way to provide high-quality nutrition tailored to their needs. Here are some recipes to get you started:
- Turkey and Sweet Potato
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until it is browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mash the cooked sweet potatoes. You can add a bit of coconut milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Steam the green beans about 5-8 minutes.
- Combine the turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Add coconut oil and mix well.
- Portion into sealable containers or bags and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Salmon and Quinoa
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 cups quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Place salmon skin-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the thickest part of the fillet reaches an internal temperature of 145 F.
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork.
- Steam the broccoli florets until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes.
- Flake the salmon with a fork and combine it with the quinoa, broccoli, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Serve with lemon wedges. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Making your husky’s meals at home gives you control over the ingredients and portions. Be sure to follow your vet’s recommendations for calories and supplements to keep your husky at a healthy weight and to address any medical conditions. Home cooking for your husky is a labor of love that will benefit them for life.
Husky Feeding Schedule Tips
As a husky owner, establishing a regular feeding schedule is important for your dog’s health and well-being. Huskies are prone to obesity, so a consistent schedule prevents overeating and helps keep their weight in check.
Feed Twice Per Day
Most husky owners recommend feeding adult huskies two measured meals a day, such as once in the morning and once in the evening. Space the meals about 10-12 hours apart. For younger puppies, it’s best to feed them 3 times per day according to the amounts recommended on your puppy food packaging.
Stick to a Routine
Feed your husky at the same time every day, such as 7 am and 6 pm. Huskies are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Feeding at inconsistent times can lead to anxiety in some dogs and upset stomachs. Pick a schedule that works with your daily routine so that you can properly measure out and provide your husky’s food at the same time every day.
Don’t Leave Food Out
Don’t leave food out throughout the day for your husky to free feed. Instead, measure out the proper amount of food for your husky’s age and size at each mealtime. Most adult huskies do well with 2 to 3 cups of quality dog food twice per day.
Measure Carefully
Carefully measure the amount of food for each of your husky’s meals. The amounts recommended on the dog food packaging are just guidelines. You may need to adjust up or down depending on your husky’s age, size, build, and activity level. It’s best to start with the recommended amount for their age and size and then monitor your husky’s body condition to determine if any changes need to be made.
Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
In addition to feeding your innocent husky a proper diet at regular times, always provide plenty of fresh, clean water every day. Huskies drink a lot, especially in warm weather or if they’ve been exercising. Change your husky’s water daily and refill water bowls with fresh water.
Following these tips will help get your husky on a healthy feeding schedule so they can thrive and avoid problems like obesity, upset stomach, and anxiety. Be sure to also take your husky for routine vet checkups to monitor their growth and make sure their feeding plan is appropriate for their needs.
Exercise Needs for a Healthy Husky
Huskies are working dogs that need plenty of exercise and activity to keep them happy and healthy. As a Husky owner, it’s important to understand your dog’s exercise needs and commit to meeting them every day.
- Provide Daily Exercise
- Aim for at least an hour of exercise per day for your Husky. This could include:
- Two 30-minute walks
- A long hike at a local trail
- Playtime in a securely fenced yard
- Jogging or biking together (for older Huskies)
Without enough exercise, Huskies can become bored, and anxious, and develop behavioral issues. Huskies have a lot of energy and are bred as working sled dogs, so they need physical and mental stimulation.
Play Mental Games
In addition to physical exercise, Huskies need mental exercise. Play games that challenge your Husky like:
- Puzzle toys that dispense treats
- Hide and seek with toys or treats
- Teaching new commands and tricks
- Rotating different toys to keep things interesting
Mental stimulation will help prevent boredom and keep your Husky sharp.
Be Consistent and Patient
Develop an exercise routine and stick to it every day. Be patient through the process, as it can take time for a Husky to get into shape and build endurance. Start slow and build up the intensity and duration over time. If your Husky seems overly tired or is limping, cut back to avoid injury.
Providing your Husky the right amount of exercise and play is key to their health and happiness. Be consistent, be patient, and commit to keeping your Husky active and engaged every day to ensure they live a long, healthy life by your side.
Husky Diet FAQs
As a husky owner, you likely have many questions about your husky’s diet and nutrition. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about feeding huskies:
What should I feed my husky?
The best diet for a husky is a high-quality dog food specifically for large breed dogs. Look for a formula with fish or meat as the first ingredient, with whole grains, veggies, and supplements. Some good options include:
- Fish-based formulas with salmon or whitefish. Huskies need the extra protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Meat-based formulas with chicken, beef, or lamb. Make sure meat is the #1 ingredient.
- Formulas for active or working dogs. Huskies have a lot of energy and need the extra nutrition.
Limited ingredient diets for huskies with allergies or sensitivities. Look for novel protein sources like duck, venison, or kangaroo.
How much should I feed my husky?
The amount you feed your husky depends on their age, size, and activity level. Most adult huskies should eat 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals. Measure out portions carefully and adjust amounts based on whether your husky seems hungry or is gaining/losing weight. Puppies need more frequent feedings, about 3 times a day.
Should I give my Husky supplements?
In some cases, supplements may benefit your husky’s health and diet. Some good options include:
- Fish oil supplements provide omega-3 fatty acids for skin/coat health and joint support.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, especially for senior huskies.
- Probiotics or digestive enzymes to support gut health and digestion.
- Multivitamins are formulated for large breed dogs to ensure they get all essential vitamins and minerals.
Only give supplements as directed to avoid oversupplementing. Talk to your vet before giving any supplements to make sure they are appropriate and in the right dosage for your husky.
What human foods can I give my husky?
Some human foods are okay to give as occasional treats in moderation, such as:
- Cooked eggs, which provide protein. Avoid raw eggs.
- Cooked meat like chicken, beef or fish.
- Certain fruits like apples, bananas, and berries. Avoid grapes, raisins, citrus.
- Certain veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli. Avoid onions, garlic, corn, and beans.
Avoid sweets, snacks, table scraps, and anything salty or fatty which are unhealthy for huskies.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a complete guide to feeding your husky and keeping them healthy and fit. Remember that each dog is unique, so stick with the portions recommended for their weight and activity level. Pay attention to their body condition and make adjustments as needed. The key is providing a balanced diet with the right nutrients and not overfeeding them just because the food’s there. Be sure to monitor how they’re doing on any new food. With some planning and care when selecting their meals and treats, your husky will thrive on a diet that matches their energetic personality