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Siberian Huskies are intelligent, friendly, playful dogs that make excellent family members as long as you keep them active. Bred as working canines with exceptional endurance, Huskies are one of the most high-energy dog breeds in the world. And this makes meeting their dietary needs extremely important.
As with all dogs, Huskies have different nutritional requirements at various life stages. We’ve done extensive research to give you our top dog food picks for Husky puppies, adults, and senior pups, as well as special dietary considerations for this amazingly unique breed.
At A Glance: Best Dog Food For Huskies
Contents
Note: All of the dog foods we’ve included in our reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in the U.S., and contain no by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Needs For Siberian Huskies
Despite their appearance, Siberian Huskies (also affectionately called Sibes) are considered a medium-sized breed. (All that thick fur makes them look larger than they are.) Full-grown Huskies can reach up to 60 pounds, but some only weigh in at 35 pounds. Still, they’re extremely active, muscular dogs who require a diet rich in high-quality animal protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates to maintain muscle mass and provide them plenty of energy.
Active Huskies thrive on high-protein dog food with moderate to high levels of fat. They also do best with low to moderate levels of healthy carbs, like brown rice and sweet potatoes, and average calorie content. Huskies’ bodies are naturally programmed to burn calories efficiently and eat until they feel nutritionally satiated. This makes a high-quality diet without fillers, unnecessary carbs, artificial ingredients, and other empty calories even more important for Huskies. Otherwise, they can gain weight fairly easily on a low-quality diet.
Tip: Since the Husky body is so efficient, they usually don’t require as many calories as other similar-sized breeds. When following a dog food’s feeding chart, many Sibe experts advise feeding them on the lower end of the recommended range for your pup’s weight.
Like all dogs, Huskies also need a diet packed with canine-specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep their immune system strong. While this breed isn’t plagued with a host of hereditary health problems, some do exist. But a high-quality, well-balanced food can help lower the risks and symptoms of common issues, including hip dysplasia, arthritis, a variety of eye conditions, and digestive problems.
Eye Health
Huskies are particularly prone to developing cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and other eye problems. A high-quality diet typically contains many of the nutrients necessary for maintaining eye health and lowering the risks and symptoms of eye conditions.
These include omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin A, taurine, and antioxidants. You’ll also want to look for the inclusion of the best whole foods for eye health, including carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli, blueberries, cold-water fish, and eggs.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatitis
This breed is prone to a skin infection called zinc-responsive dermatitis. This usually occurs because Huskies’ bodies have difficulty absorbing zinc (even if their diet contains adequate amounts for most dogs). However, it’s even more prevalent if they don’t get enough zinc in their diet. All AAFCO-compliant dog food includes a minimum of 120 mg/kg zinc as an essential mineral.
Signs include scabs and hair loss, especially around the ears, eyes, and muzzle. A diet high in omega fatty acids can help ease the effects of this skin infection if it arises (in addition to keeping your pup’s skin and coat healthy). When this infection flares up, your vet may recommend adding a zinc supplement to your dog’s diet to clear up the symptoms.
Digestive Issues
Unfortunately, this breed is known for having a sensitive stomach, which can make finding an ideal diet challenging. Chicken, beef, dairy products, and wheat are the most common culprits of food intolerances in dogs, but preservatives, fillers, and other low-quality ingredients can also create digestive problems.
We’ve included some limited-ingredient formulas in our reviews that may be good options if your Husky has a fragile tummy. We also review food specifically crafted for pups with sensitive stomachs.
Beyond Basic Ingredients
All dog food should include protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But many of the most nutritious premium dog foods are fortified with additional ingredients that have major health benefits for your furry friend. Here are a few you’ll want to look for and how they support your pup’s health. For your convenience, we’ve listed these premium ingredients in our reviews.
- Fruits & vegetables: excellent natural sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
- Fish oil and/or flaxseed (omega-3 and 6 fatty acids): brain and eye development, skin and coat health, joint and immune support
- Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate (often from chicken meal*): maintains healthy joints
- Prebiotics & probiotics: support digestion and a healthy level of good gut bacteria
- Taurine: supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, immune system function, and benefits many other body functions
- L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps the metabolism of fats (particularly beneficial for older, less active dogs)
- Organ meats: excellent source of premium quality protein and fat as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
- Chia seeds: rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus
*A note about meat meal: Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the “meat” is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meal doesn’t include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.
Best Food For Husky Puppies
According to AAFCO guidelines, puppy food should include a minimum of 22% protein and a minimum of 8% fat, regardless of breed. But Husky puppies are extremely active, so they usually benefit from higher protein and fat content than these minimums. You can give your Sibe puppy a formula geared toward medium or large breeds. You’ll also need to keep your Husky on puppy food until he’s nearly fully grown, around 12-14 months.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food (Grain-Inclusive)
Give your little furball a healthy start with this Blue Buffalo premium puppy food. This high-protein formula features real chicken as the first ingredient (a sign of high-quality food) and complex carbohydrates from wholesome grains to give your puppy powerhouse plenty of fuel.
It also includes Blue Buffalo’s antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. All ingredients provide your puppy excellent nutrition for his growing bones and muscles and brain, eye, organ, etc., development.
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, and barley
- Formula highlights: high-protein, omega fatty acids, DHA & ARA (from fish oil & flaxseed), taurine, glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 36% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 433 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $19.98 (4.5-lb bag)
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food (Grain-Free)
Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie puppy formula is a fantastic choice if your puppy has already started showing signs of food sensitivities. It’s crafted with novel proteins such as water buffalo, roasted bison, and roasted venison with no corn, wheat, or soy. Instead of grains, this food contains sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and other complex carbs. Other noteworthy whole ingredients, like tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries give this recipe a natural multi-vitamin boost for your energetic Sibe baby.
- First 5 ingredients: water buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and garbanzo beans
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids, DHA (from salmon oil & flaxseed), taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 17% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 415 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $20.99 (5-lb bag)
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy (Grain-Inclusive)
If you’re looking for high-quality but budget-friendly puppy food, we highly recommend this Diamond Naturals recipe. Featuring pasture-raised lamb as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest wholesome grains (no wheat, corn, or soy), this is another formula that’s a great option for sensitive stomachs. It’s packed with a wealth of nutritious ingredients for your growing puppy’s whole-body health and development, including spinach, kale, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, coconut, and more.
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and grain sorghum
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids & DHA (from salmon oil & flaxseed), chia seeds, taurine, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 27% (min); crude fat 15% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $17.99 (6-lb bag)
Now Fresh Puppy Recipe (Grain-Free)
Although on the pricey side, this Now Fresh puppy food is entirely free of any chicken products, which can be hard to find. (Chicken is a common cause of food sensitivities.) Crafted for easy digestion, this gluten and grain-free formula’s protein sources are de-boned turkey, salmon, and duck. And it includes tummy-friendly carbs, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas.
What else makes this food worth the added cost? It’s packed with over a dozen superfood fruits and veggies, such as carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, papayas, and bananas, just to name a few. And Now Fresh cooks all fresh, whole ingredients only once at a low temperature to preserve nutrients and flavor.
- First 5 ingredients: de-boned turkey, peas, potatoes, whole dried egg, and potato flour
- Formula highlights: no chicken products, omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from salmon & flaxseed), taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 18% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $24.99 (3.5-lb bag)
Best Adult Dog Food For Huskies
Sibes should slowly transition to adult food around 12 to 14 months of age once they’ve finished most of their growth. AAFCO guidelines recommend a minimum of 18% protein and a minimum of 5% fat for all adult dogs, regardless of size or breed. However, higher protein and fat levels help fuel Huskies’ high-energy levels and keep their muscle mass healthy.
The Farmer’s Dog (Grain-Free)
Want to give your Sibe some of the healthiest dog food possible? Look no further than The Farmer’s Dog, which offers fresh, human-grade meals using whole-food animal protein, vegetables, and fruits. Every recipe includes limited ingredients fortified with an ideal blend of vitamins and minerals for your pup’s optimal health. Another major benefit for you and your dog is that they pre-portion and personalize all recipes. All you have to do is fill out a brief survey, which includes your dog’s age, breed, current weight, body shape, and whether he has any health conditions.
They offer grain-free beef, chicken, pork, and turkey recipes developed by board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) nutritionists and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and freshness. Although The Farmer’s Dog requires a subscription, you can cancel anytime. Each recipe includes different ingredients, but here’s their turkey formula.
- First 5 ingredients: USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach
- Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-food ingredients, fish oil, and taurine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 38% (min); crude fat 26% (min); crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: not available
Price
Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied! You can also visit our dedicated The Farmer’s Dog coupons page.
- Starting at $2/day for small dogs, but varies based on each dog’s weight, age, and other factors (e.g., $51.74/week for mixed-breed male, one-year-old, 38 pounds, healthy size, neutered, no health problems, or allergies)
Full Review Of The Farmer’s Dog
Open Farm RawMix Wild Ocean Ancient Grains
Open Farm is one of our top-choice brands due to its superior ethical and sustainable practices (on top of quality food ingredients). This high-protein RawMix formula is an excellent option for Huskies, especially those with tummy troubles. It features kibble coated with bone-broth and freeze-dried raw fish mixed with freeze-dried fish chunks for a major protein and flavor boost. Easy-to-digest wholesome grains and a wealth of superfood fruits and veggies, many of which are organic and fantastic for eye health.
All of Open Farm’s pet food is formulated by a team of animal nutrition experts and made in a facility that’s regularly audited by the USDA, the FDA, and AIB International to ensure strict food safety practices. And every batch of their food is tested by an independent third-party lab. While their puppy and dog food is pricey, we think their many formulas are among your best choices for commercial kibble.
- First 5 ingredients: ocean whitefish, menhaden fish meal, barley, brown rice, and herring meal
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids & DHA (from real fish, salmon oil & flaxseed), glucosamine, and taurine, and natural prebiotic (dried chicory root)
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 31% (min); crude fat 14% (min); crude fiber 4.5% (max)
- Calories: 4,016 Kcals/kg
Price
You can save 5% off every order if you sign up for auto-shipping with Open Farm.
- Starting at: $26.99 (3.5-lb bag)
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult
This gluten-free and non-GMO adult dog food features 60% quality animal ingredients (lamb and herring) and limited carbs (20%) from organic spelt and organic oats. The remaining content is dried vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, blueberries, spinach, oranges, beet pulp, and more.
Farmina also uses a special food-preparation process that coats the kibble with food vitamins after cooking so they’re as fresh and nutritious as possible. It’s an excellent recipe for immune, eye, brain, joint, skin, and coat health as well as for easy digestion.
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, and dried whole eggs
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from real fish & fish oil), taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 18% (min); crude fiber 2.9% (max)
- Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $27.95 (5.5-lb bag)
ACANA Wild Atlantic (Grain-Free)
If you’re looking for a grain-free fish recipe that’s also entirely chicken-free, ACANA’s Wild Atlantic freeze-dried coated formula is a fantastic nutrient-dense option crafted for sensitive stomachs. This protein-packed food boasts real fish as the first five ingredients and includes healthy complex carbs such as chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans, and peas. It’s also full of nutritious, high-fiber fresh veggies and fruits, including whole pumpkin, collard greens, carrots, butternut squash, apples, and pears.
- First 5 ingredients: whole mackerel, whole herring, whole redfish, silver hake, and mackerel meal
- Formula highlights: no chicken products, omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from real fish and fish oil), glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 33% (min); crude fat 17% (min); crude fiber 6% (max)
- Calories: 392 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $25.99 (4.5-lb bag)
Best Senior Dog Food For Huskies
Siberian Huskies are considered seniors around seven or eight years old. But when to switch to a senior dog food depends on your pup’s activity level and overall health. Generally, it’s a good idea to make the transition once a Sibe slows down, but check with your vet to make sure it’s the right time for your furry friend’s specific situation.
Because senior dogs aren’t as active, they require fewer calories and fat content so they won’t gain weight. They also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to help aging joints as well as plenty of antioxidants and other nutrients to boost their weakening immune systems.
Nulo Freestyle Senior (Grain-Free)
Nulo Freestyle’s Senior formula is lower in fat than many regular adult dog foods, but it’s still high in animal protein to support your Huskie’s energy and muscle mass, particularly if he’s still fairly active. This grain-free recipe, featuring deboned trout as the first ingredient, is an excellent option if your pup has a sensitive stomach.
It’s chock full of easy-to-digest legumes, fruits, and vegetables, including lentils, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, and apples. This formula also provides special ingredients that aging pups need for immune, metabolic, digestive, and joint health.
- First 5 ingredients: deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, and sweet potato
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from real fish), glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 30% (min); crude fat 12% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 396 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $29.95 (6-lb bag)
Diamond Naturals Senior (Grain-Inclusive)
A super healthy and affordable formula from Diamond Naturals, this senior dog food is ideal for Huskies who have slowed down a bit in their golden years. It features fewer calories and less fat but still plenty of protein. Made with real, cage-free chicken, easy-to-digest whole grains, and plenty of antioxidant-rich real fruits and vegetables (which are ideal for eye health), you can feel good about giving your Sibe a premium diet while saving some money.
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from flaxseed), chia seeds, taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 11% (min); crude fiber 3% (max)
- Calories: 347 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $16.99 (6-lb bag)
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Large Breed (Grain-Inclusive)
Another reasonably-priced premium dog food, this Blue Buffalo recipe is formulated for the nutritional needs of older dogs who aren’t nearly as active as they used to be. It contains fewer calories, and less fat and protein content than our other top picks here, making it a fantastic weight-management food for less-active Huskies.
Real chicken, wholesome grains, fruits, veggies, Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits, and other special ingredients provide your pup with the optimal nutrition to help maintain eye health, fight off diseases, and support his mobility as his body ages.
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and chicken meal
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from fish oil and flaxseed), taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 18% (min); crude fat 10% (min); crude fiber 7% (max)
- Calories: 342 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $14.98 (5-lb bag)
Best Dog Food For Huskies With Sensitive Stomachs
Sibes are notorious for having sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. If your furry friend suffers from tummy problems, here’s a top-rated dog food that may help. And see our article on the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. You may also want to give your pup a daily probiotic supplement formulated for dogs, which can help with gut problems.
If you suspect your Husky has a food intolerance or allergy, you may want to consider an at-home dog allergy test to uncover the source of his stomach problems. You send a saliva or hair sample to the company’s lab and get results within a few weeks. You can then share these results with your vet to help further narrow down possible causes.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach (Grain-Inclusive)
This easy-to-digest dog food comes highly recommended by many veterinarians (and satisfied pup owners). It contains real animal protein as the first ingredient and tummy-friendly grains, such as oatmeal, barley, and rice. With no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients and included probiotics for gut health, this formula could be the ideal solution if you’ve tried many different foods without success.
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach also comes in small and large breed formulas, as well as canned wet food if that’s what your pup prefers. Regular adult dog food is available in salmon, lamb, and turkey. Here’s the breakdown for their adult salmon and rice recipe, which gets the best customer reviews from this line.
- First 5 ingredients: salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, and canola meal
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from real salmon and fish oil), glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
- Calories: 467 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at: $22.99 (4-lb bag)
Should I Consider A Hip & Joint Supplement?
Since Siberian Huskies are at a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia and arthritis, you may want to consider adding a daily joint supplement to your furry friend’s diet. The best dog joint supplements may help reduce the symptoms and severity of these inherited health problems. As with all supplements, you should first get your vet’s approval.
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