Introduction
Huskies are a majestic breed of dogs that require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their strength, energy, and health. Here are our picks for the best dog food for huskies in 2023, taking into consideration their specific dietary needs.
- Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for Inactive Huskies
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Dry Dog Food – Best for Healthy Coat
- Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult Dry Dog Food – Best for Weight Management
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies
- Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food – Best for Seniors
Grain vs Grain-Free
When it comes to choosing between grain and grain-free dog food, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each option. Grain-based dog food typically contains wheat, corn, and rice as a source of carbohydrates, while grain-free options use alternative ingredients such as potatoes or peas.
Grain-based dog food is a great source of fiber and carbohydrates and can provide your husky with the energy they need to get through the day. However, some dogs can have sensitivities to grains, which can lead to digestive issues or skin allergies.
Huskies are not known for grain sensitives so they can go on a grain based diet. If your pup is having issues, be sure to consult with a vet and immediately stop feeding them food with grains.
Grain-free dog food, on the other hand, can be a better option for huskies with grain sensitivities or those who have trouble digesting grains. However, it is important to keep in mind that grain-free dog food can be more expensive than grain-based options and may not provide the same level of carbohydrates.
Wet vs Dry
When it comes to choosing between wet and dry dog food, it is important to consider your husky’s individual needs and preferences. Wet dog food can be a good option for huskies who need to add moisture to their diet, as well as for those who have trouble chewing or swallowing dry kibble.
Dry dog food, on the other hand, is a convenient and cost-effective option for pet owners. It is also easy to store and can help maintain good oral hygiene for your husky by scraping away plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth.
In conclusion, finding the best dog food for huskies depends on a variety of factors, including your pet’s age, health, and dietary needs. Whether you opt for grain-based, grain-free, wet, or dry food, be sure to choose a high-quality option that is specifically formulated for huskies to provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive.
Check out our article on Wet vs. Dry Dog Food for more information!
Mini Reviews
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Grain Sorghum, Millet
- Crude protein: 32%
- Crude fat: 18%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Taste of the Wild Ancient Wetlands Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food provides a unique and nutritious meal for your husky. With bison as the first ingredient, this dog food offers a high-quality source of protein, while the garbanzo beans and peas provide a healthy source of carbohydrates.
This food also includes plenty of natural fruits, vegetables and superfoods that provide a few benefits. They help to aid your husky’s digestive and overall health, and ingredients like salmon oil provide the fatty acid DHA which has recently been found to help dogs’ brain health and development.
The “Ancient Grains” recipe is meant to simulate a historic diet to provide your dog with the most accurate sources of nutrients. This combined with the gamey sources of protein should mean that the food will be a hit with your husky. However, we will reiterate that if your dog is rejecting this food in any way, consult your vet and switch to a grain-free food.
The high protein content of 32% and fat content of 18% make this dry dog food a great option for providing your husky with the energy they need to thrive. This dog food has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, making it a popular choice among pet owners and a sure hit with your husky.
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
- Crude protein: 34%
- Crude fat: 12%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their huskies with a grain-free diet. The first ingredient, deboned chicken, is a high-quality source of protein, while peas and potatoes provide a healthy source of carbohydrates.
With a high protein content of 34%, it will support muscle development in any active husky. However, because of the low fat content, we’d recommend any especially active dogs go with one of our other picks. This should be a great option for any husky who likes their walks but also loves to be a bit of a couch potato.
As noted in the ingredient list by the portions in parentheses, the excellent sources of glucosamine and chondroitin will ensure that your pup’s bone structure is super healthy and that their muscles are being maintained in the best way possible. It also helps to lubricate joints and prevent arthritis.
With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, this dog food is a popular choice among pet owners and is sure to be a hit with your husky as well.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
- Crude protein: 24%
- Crude fat: 14%
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food offers a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats for your husky. The first ingredient, deboned chicken, is a high-quality source of protein, while the brown rice, oatmeal, and barley provide a healthy source of carbohydrates.
Although the first 5 ingredients are unimpressive on their own, this food has quite the list of fruits, vegetables, and seeds aimed to keep all of your pup’s systems functioning well. We especially love how high up ingredients like flaxseed are, meaning this food is a stand out source of fatty acids to keep your huskies skin and coat in top condition. Because they often have so much hair, these are crucial macros to get in every meal.
With a protein content of 24% and a fat content of 14%, this dog food is sure to provide your husky with the nutrients they need to thrive. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, this dog food is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their huskies with a nutritious and delicious meal.
Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
- Crude protein: 24%
- Crude fat: 15%
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that meets the specific needs of large breed dogs, look no further than Royal Canin Canine Care Nutrition Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. With brown rice and chicken by-product meal as the top ingredients, this dog food provides a great source of protein and carbohydrates.
With a protein content of 26% and fat content of 16%, this dog food is designed to provide the nutrients your large breed husky needs to maintain their health and vitality. And with a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, this dog food is a popular choice among pet owners and sure to be a hit with your furry friend.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Poultry By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
- Crude protein: 32%
- Crude fat: 18%
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a great option for dog owners who want to provide their huskies with a high-quality, protein-rich meal. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this dog food is a great source of the protein that your husky needs to thrive.
The rice flour, barley, and oatmeal in this dog food provide a healthy source of carbohydrates, while the chicken meal adds an additional source of protein. The sources of glucosamine in this food will help your puppy avoid growing pains in their joints as they approach their full size.
It boasts a few key ingredients such as fish oil which will provide crucial fatty acids such as DHA, which as we said earlier, has been found to be incredibly helpful in brain development, especially in puppies.
With a protein content of 32% and fat content of 18%, this dog food is a great option for keeping your husky healthy and active. With a 4.7 out of 5 star rating, this dog food is sure to be a hit with both you and your furry friend.
Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat
- Crude protein: 26%
- Crude fat: 12%
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
As your husky gets older, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with a diet that meets their changing needs. That’s why Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food is such a great option. With chicken as the first ingredient, this dog food provides a great source of protein to support your husky’s muscle maintenance.
The chicken by-product meal, corn meal, and barley provide a healthy source of carbohydrates, while the dried beet pulp helps maintain digestive health. The low fat content of this food will ensure that your dog doesn’t continue to gain weight as they probably will become less active with age.
Additionally, Eukanuba supplements plenty of vitamins that will be helpful to your husky’s health in their later years. There are less whole ingredients so that it is easier on their digestive system, but they make up for ingredient complexity with their supplements.
With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating, this dog food is sure to be a hit with both you and your furry friend.
FAQs
What kind of food is best for huskies?
The best food for huskies is high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and has a balanced ratio of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Huskies are known to be active dogs and require a diet that can sustain their energy levels.
Are huskies okay with eating grain-free food?
Yes, huskies can eat grain-free food as long as it provides them with the necessary nutrients they need. Grain-free diets are an excellent option for dogs who are allergic to grains or have a sensitivity to them.
Although huskies aren’t known for being prone to grain sensitives, so we think you can take advantage of the pros that come with a diet containing grains. You won’t lose anything switching to a grain-free diet.
Is it okay to feed huskies wet or dry food?
Both wet and dry food can be suitable for huskies, but it depends on their individual needs and preferences. Wet food can provide more moisture, which can be beneficial for dogs who do not drink enough water, whereas dry food can help keep their teeth clean.
What is the best protein source for huskies?
The best protein source for huskies is high-quality animal protein, such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. These protein sources provide essential amino acids that huskies need for muscle maintenance and repair.
What are the recommended daily caloric intake for huskies?
The recommended daily caloric intake for huskies depends on their age, size, and activity level. On average, a healthy adult husky needs around 1,000 to 1,200 calories per day. It is essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the exact caloric needs for your husky.
Buyer’s Guide
Husky Macros
Huskies are active dogs that require a diet that can sustain their energy levels. A balanced diet for huskies should consist of a proper ratio of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Protein is essential for huskies as it provides the building blocks for muscles, bones, and tissues. The recommended protein intake for huskies is around 18% to 20% of their daily caloric intake. High-quality animal protein, such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb, is the best protein source for huskies.
We prefer protein sources like lamb, duck, or fish such as salmon. Sometimes huskies can develop sensitivities to chicken, and our list of meats is slightly more natural while providing an equal source of protein. Additionally, some of these meats provide other vitamins and fatty acids that have other benefits to your dog’s health.
Fat is an essential part of a husky’s diet as it provides energy and helps to absorb essential vitamins. The recommended fat intake for huskies is around 8% to 20% of their daily caloric intake. Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are also necessary for healthy skin and coat.
Huskies are generally pretty active dogs, so a high fat content isn’t a problem. If you have a lazier dog or notice them gaining weight, switch to an option with a little less fat.
Carbohydrates provide energy for huskies and can be found in grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is important to choose high-quality carbohydrates that are easily digestible, such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.
Husky Health Issues
Huskies are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, cataracts, and skin allergies. A balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs can help to prevent or manage these health issues.
Hip dysplasia: Feeding huskies a balanced diet that is rich in calcium and phosphorus can help to maintain their bone health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Glucosamine is also a very helpful vitamin that will lubricate joints and prevent joint problems.
Cataracts: Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, can help to prevent cataracts and maintain eye health. These are generally supplemented in dog foods so you shouldn’t need to worry too much unless you notice your pup having problems.
Skin allergies: Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, can help to soothe itchy skin and prevent skin allergies. Huskies especially have a super thick coat that works in two layers. This makes omega fatty acids super important when picking a dog food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right food for your husky is crucial for their overall health and well-being. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to understand their specific nutritional needs and dietary requirements, and select a dog food that meets those needs.
The six dog foods reviewed in this article are some of the best options for huskies in 2023, offering a range of options to suit different dietary preferences, life stages, and health needs.
Whether you opt for a grain-free, wet, or dry food, be sure to check the ingredients, protein, fat, and calorie content, and always consult with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pet’s diet. With the right food and proper care, you can help ensure that your husky stays healthy and happy for many years to come.
